Makerspace Rules & Procedures

The Makerspace is a place for patrons to design, create, and learn new skills. We have many machines, including a 3D printer, a sublimation printer, a Cricut Maker 4, a mug press, and a heat press. The space is open to patrons of all ages during the library’s open hours with a required appointment and for walk-ins from 10 to 5, Monday through Thursday. Rodman Public Library reserves the right to change these rules at any time. 

 

In order to best serve our patrons, the following rules and procedures must be followed:

  1. Before using any equipment, patrons must:
    1. Have an RPL library card in good standing
    2. Read and understand the rules and procedures
    3. Sign a user agreement form
    4. Meet age requirements and/or be accompanied by a guardian
    5. Either have prior experience with chosen machine or be accompanied by a staff member
  2. Rules
    1. No food or drink is allowed in the Makerspace.
    2. Patrons are asked to only work on one project at a time if anyone else is waiting to use a machine.
    3. The Makerspace closes 30 minutes before the library closes. All work must be completed no later than 30 minutes before the library closes. No project can be left running while the library is closed. The library assumes no responsibility for material costs associated with incomplete projects.
    4. Use of the Makerspace computers and machines are limited to 2 hours per day per piece of equipment. Patrons may ask reference staff members for extensions. The library reserves the right to extend or reduce patron usage at its sole discretion.
    5. If there are questions about materials, refer to the Makerspace Librarian.
    6. Patrons are not permitted to use the Makerspace to create materials that violate local, state, or federal laws or regulations; look like, function as, or appear to function as weapons or parts thereof; or may be construed as obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment. 
       
  3. Procedures
    1. Patrons must sign in at the Information Desk before entering the Makerspace.
    2. Patrons must inform library staff of any incident that occurs in the Makerspace including any instances of tools or equipment not working or becoming unsafe to use.
    3. Patrons must understand that there may be up to two patrons actively working on projects at the same time, depending on the nature of the projects, patron experience levels, and Reference Department availability.
  4. Age requirements
    1. Patrons ages 14-17 may use the equipment if accompanied by a guardian or if they have a user agreement form signed by them and a guardian on file.
    2. Patrons under 14 must be accompanied by a guardian and have a user agreement signed by both them and their guardian on file.
    3. Patrons under 18 will not be granted walk-ins unless they are accompanied by an adult.
    4. Patrons 18 and older must sign a user agreement to use all machines.
    5. The only exception to any age requirements is the button maker.
  5. Appointments
    1. Appointments can be made by calling or emailing the Reference Department, or by filling out the online form on the library website.
    2. Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Requests for appointments that are not 24 hours are not guaranteed.
    3. If a patron is more than 20 minutes late to an appointment, they may be asked to reschedule.
    4. Appointments are required during all Makerspace hours unless the space is available and if patrons are confident in their ability to use machines independently. 
       
  6. Costs and Payment
    1. Patrons are responsible for all costs associated with a project regardless of their satisfaction with the results.
    2. Failure to self-report material usage and pay for materials will result in suspension of Makerspace privileges.
    3. All material costs are broken down and posted in the Makerspace. If you would like to bring in your own materials, contact the Makerspace Librarian for acceptable materials.  
    4. Payments must be made before the patron may take the project out of the building.
    5. If a patron fails to pick up a project, the cost will be billed to their library card as a fine.
  7. 3D Printing
    1. Patrons will not be allowed to use the 3D printer. Staff members will do all printing.
    2. Patrons may use our software to design projects. All designs must be submitted by email at rodmaninfo@gmail.com or through the online form on the library website.
    3. Project turnaround will be approximately 1 week from confirmation. Patrons will be notified once their project is complete and ready for pickup. If a patron does not pick up their project within 7 days, the cost of the project will be fined to their library card. Projects that are not picked up after 14 days will be disposed of at the library’s discretion.
    4. Staff will not remove supports from the model. That responsibility falls to the patron, and they may do so in the Makerspace with our tools.
  8. Liability
    1. The library does not accept any responsibility if the patron’s personal property or project is harmed, does not print correctly, or does not work.
    2. Patrons are financially responsible for any damage to Makerspace equipment that arises from misuse.
    3. Patrons will respect all intellectual property and copyright laws. Patrons are responsible for obtaining their own protection for intellectual property developed in the Makerspace.
    4. The machines are not for commercial use. Patrons will not use the Makerspace to produce items for purchase.