Leading up to the third annual Reno Mini Maker Faire we will be featuring some of the amazing makers who will be exhibiting their creations. Today, let’s meet Erich Purpur, representing the DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library at UNR.
Who are you?
My name is Erich Purpur and I’m the GIS Librarian at DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library at the University of Nevada, Reno
Twitter: @DeLaMareLibrary
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dlmlib
What does being a Maker mean to you?
To us at the DeLaMare Library, Makers are people who create knowledge objects. In the science and engineering community today, in order to really create knowledge you have to get your hands dirty. We provide the resources people need at UNR to create new information and to bring to life their learning, teaching, and research.
What kind of making do you do?
All things related to science and engineering at UNR. Our patrons do this through 3D printing and scanning, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, soldering, sewing, high end software and lendable technology.
What’s your favorite part about being a Maker? What’s your least favorite part about being a Maker?
My favorite part of being a maker providing the resources to see the amazingly creative things people create on campus. Seeing what science, technology, entrepreneurship, and creation has come from the DeLaMare library is really inspirational. My least part of being a maker…. that is a tough one! I think sometimes I am jealous of the awesome stuff people do and wonder why I didn’t think of that first!
If time, money, materials, space were no object, what would you make and why?
If money, materials, and space were no object, there is no telling what our users would make. One thing would definitely be of interest is the ability to prototype in metal. So having a high-quality laser cutter and 3D printer to allow the use of metal would be really great.
Why did you decide to participate in the Reno Mini Maker Faire?
We are participating in the Reno Mini Maker Faire because it is a great opportunity to engage with the making community in the Reno area. We are hidden away at the University most of the time and this allows us to meet with the greater community, learn from them, and share what we have available at DeLaMare. And our very own Geoscience Librarian, Chrissy Klenke (in the photo below) is the lead producer of the faire, interned at the flagship Maker Faire in San Mateo, and is representing the entire state of Nevada at the National Week of Making – truly a making rockstar!
All photos by the talented Nick Crowl: ncrowl@unr.edu
Craftsmen
Apprentice
