Scientometric analysis of 3D printing in libraries, and implications for copyright

Abstract

3D printing is a process whereby users can create a three-dimensional solid object of any shape by operating a 3D printer using a digital design, thereby creating their own designs or replicate and electronically customize scanned objects. The technology has existed for several decades; however, it was not until around 1990 it really gained momentum (Van Wiele, 2019). In this paper the authors investigated research on 3D printing in libraries and copyright through a scientometric analysis, by searching in Web of Science for libraries, 3D printing and copyright. The data was mapped in WoS-viewer, to show the most important authors, the most cited documents, and the most cited sources. 107 results from WoS Core Collection for “3D printing” AND copyright was found. Also, the authors researched library websites in Norway for guidelines and rules concerning copyright and 3D printing. Norwegian copyright law does not mention 3D printing as such, so how are academic and public libraries teaching or mentoring copyright issues to patrons and students?