Creative ideas need more than imagination; they need the right tools and guidance. At UTA Libraries, John Pointer and his team in Creative Spaces and Services help students and faculty bring projects to life, whether it’s a first attempt or a final masterpiece. From Tech Lending to the C.R.E.A.T. Studio, Pointer provides hands-on support, expertise, and encouragement so every idea has a chance to grow. 

From Student to Staff, A Journey Shaped by Persistence 

Pointer’s path to this role is one many students can relate to. He began his academic journey at Tarrant County College, transferred to UTA, and earned his degree in industrial engineering in May 2023. It took nine years to complete that degree, a journey shaped by personal challenges, academic struggles, and persistence. Giving up was never really an option. 

“I never thought I’d be anything other than a maker,” Pointer said. “I’ve always enjoyed building things. For me, there was never really an option for anything else.” 

That lived experience shapes how Pointer works with students today. He understands that college is not always a straight line and that success does not look the same for everyone. 

What Creative Spaces and Services is All About 

Creative Spaces and Services is where UTA Libraries combines creativity, technology, and hands-on learning. It includes the FabLab, The Studios, and the Basement, giving students access to tools and technologies they might not otherwise have. Whether it’s a class assignment, research project, or personal idea, these spaces encourage experimentation, collaboration, and learning by doing. 

The Studios take this a step further, supporting multimedia and digital creation. Students can work on audio, video, and digital art projects using collaborative computer workstations, editing tools, motion-capture and visual effects equipment, sound booths, photography studios with green screens and professional lighting, and areas for virtual production and electronics projects, such as robotics and drones. 

This mission of supporting creative exploration and innovation is reflected in the work Pointer does every day. 

Supporting Students with Tools That Matter 

One of the most visible ways Creative Spaces and Services support students is through Tech Lending, which Pointer oversees. Here, students can borrow the technology they need for coursework and creative projects without buying expensive equipment. 

“There are a lot of different groups of things,” Pointer explained. “Camera equipment, lighting, sound recording, drawing tablets, portable monitors, and even things people don’t always think about.” 

Students can also check out calculators, webcams, Apple Pencils, adapters, charging cables, digital microscopes, white noise machines, and full microscope kits. Behind the scenes, Pointer trains student employees, manages daily operations, and keeps the tech lending machine running smoothly, so students can focus on their projects. 

“Any type of tech that you need to do schoolwork, we probably have it,” Pointer said. 

Learning by Doing in the C.R.E.A.T. Studio 

In the C.R.E.A.T. Studio, Pointer takes a hands-on role helping students explore, experiment, and learn. He supervises student staff, leads workshops, gives tours, and guides visitors through unfamiliar tools. Workshops include soldering sessions and creative skill-building, while events like the Fix It Fair give students the chance to repair everything from clothing and electronics to furniture, all while learning new skills. 

The Fix It Fair brought together the C.R.E.A.T. Studio, the Shop Room, and the Textile Area of the FabLab for a collaborative hands-on experience. Students brought in broken items, and expert staff helped diagnose and repair them on the spot. The event, held during UTA’s Sustainability Month, highlighted the value of mindful consumption and problem-solving. 

“We all have something sitting around at home that’s broken, but we can’t bring ourselves to throw it away because we plan to fix it someday,” Pointer said. “The Fix It Fair is that day. We have the tools, knowledge, and community to help people get started, and maybe even finish their repairs right here.” 

“I like to think I have a certain intuition about how things work,” Pointer added. “I can usually find why something isn’t working pretty quickly and test solutions fast.” 

The C.R.E.A.T. Studio also includes electronics and programming spaces that support exploration in coding, drones, robotics, and more, giving students a collaborative environment to explore both creative and technical projects. 

Creativity That Improves How We Work 

What excites Pointer most about coming to work is using creativity to make things better for everyone. While working in the FabLab as a student employee, he built a custom database to manage 3D print requests, replacing a complicated spreadsheet that made tracking projects difficult. 

“Before that, they were losing track of things,” Pointer said. “I like building tools that make the job easier. That’s what I enjoy doing.” 

That same problem-solving mindset continues to benefit students and staff across Creative Spaces and Services. 

A Maker’s Paradise for the UTA Community 

When Pointer describes Creative Spaces and Services to students, he keeps it simple. 

“I would say it’s really a maker’s paradise,” he said. “You have access to resources in many different areas that you normally wouldn’t have access to, and it’s included in your tuition.” 

In addition to creative freedom, these services also offer meaningful financial relief. Affordable printing, low-cost 3D printing, and free equipment lending help students stay engaged and hands-on without added financial pressure. 

More Than a Library 

Staff members like Pointer are a reminder that UTA Libraries is about more than books and quiet study spaces. It is a place where ideas are encouraged, challenges are met with support, and learning happens in unexpected ways. 

Whether you are designing a prototype, recording a podcast, editing video, fixing something that broke, or just figuring out where to start, UTA Libraries is here to help. 

If you have a project in mind, or even just an idea you want to explore, stop by UTA Libraries and visit Creative Spaces and Services. You will find people like Pointer ready to help you turn that idea into something real.