HSE Library: Makerspaces: About

What is a Makerspace?

Makerspaces have been established in a number of HSE Library sites.

Makerspaces provide tools, materials and space for HSE staff, students on placement and other authorised users. They facilitate hands-on learning, creating opportunities for innovation and support patient and service user wellbeing.

Our Makerspace sites feature a variety of different equipment, including: 3D Printers; Poster Printers; MakerLabs and Energy Pods.

As Aoife Lawton, General Manager of HSE Library, suggests: “Libraries have always acted as places of knowledge consumption and insight, but we're also starting to see them as places of creation - places we can transform insight into knowledge”.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIN to learn more about our Makerspace creations, such as this 3D Heart Model, printed by Natasha Smith, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, HSE Library.

3D Printers

Form 3B+ 3D Printer

This 3D Printer facilitates high quality 3D model printing from STL and OBJ files.

Available at:

Merlin Park University Hospital, Co. Galway

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, Co. Offaly

MakerLabs

The MakerLab was designed to enable staff to bring their ideas for improving healthcare to reality through early-stage prototyping and experimentation.

The two MakerLab components (i.e. Trolley and Portable Case) contain similar tools and can be used independently.

Available at:

Connolly Hospital Library, Co. Dublin

Cork University Hospital, Co. Cork

Merlin Park University Hospital, Co. Galway

Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Digital MakerSpace for UX Testing

This Digital MakerSpace is for UX Testing only. If you need to use it, please contact

Digital Services

Poster Printers

Canon TA-20 Poster Printer

This Poster Printer facilitates large size colour poster printing up to A1 size.

Available at:

Connolly Hospital Library, Co. Dublin

Cork University Hospital, Co. Cork

Merlin Park University Hospital, Co. Galway

Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Energy Pods

The Energy Pod supports HSE staff to re-energise and reduce stress by providing a comfortable, quiet space for rest.

A short nap can contribute to: Energy Pod image

improved alertness and cognitive functioning
memory retention
lower stress levels

Available at:

Cork University Hospital, Co. Cork

St. Luke’s General Hospital, Co. Kilkenny

University Hospital Limerick, Co. Limerick

Benefits of Makerspaces

National Doctors Training and Planning The purpose of having a makerspace is to present health care professionals with an opportunity to explore their interests through hands-on, experimental projects that improve patient care.

Makerspaces create a culture of innovation and creativity, encouraging the use of new tools and technology. Spark Innovation Programme

HSE Library would like to acknowledge the funding provided by partners National Doctors Training and Planning (NDTP) and Spark Innovation Programme which underpinned the creation of HSE Library Makerspaces.