The rochester institute of technology (RIT) will research museum interactions with 3D printing, specifically 3D-printed objects entering collections or used for preservation activities

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) will research museum interactions with 3D printing under a $375,543 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services' (IMLS) National Leadership Grants (NLG) program. Specifically, RIT staff and a graduate student will conduct a national survey of museums' engagement with 3D printing, create a web-based resource for preserving 3D-printed objects, develop two research agendas, and establish 3D-printed research collections. These activities aim to better prepare museum professionals globally for preserving objects created with emerging technologies like 3D printing as they enter museum collections or are used for preservation activities. The grant period runs from September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2024.

Project activities, led by staff and a graduate student worker at the image permanence institute at RIT, include a national survey to document the extent of museum engagement with 3D printing, creation of a web-based resource to preserve 3D-printed objects, development of two research agendas, and the establishment of 3D-printed research collections. The resources developed from this research will better prepare the global community of museum professionals responsible for preserving objects created by these emerging technologies.