Maury Loontjens Memorial Library Makerspace Policy

The Library’s Makerspace is available to all patrons during designated walk-in times and scheduled events. Items created or ordered during designated walk-in and event times are free. The Makerspace is intended is to foster creativity, collaboration and to supplement the educational enrichment provided by the library. Users can develop theoretical skills, increase knowledge through practice and experimentation while fostering skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math while using the Makerspace. 

General Policy: 

• Children under the age of 18 are required to use the Makerspace with adult supervision.
• Behavior deemed inappropriate or objectionable as defined by the Library’s Rules for Patron Conduct may lead to suspension from the library. 
• Makerspace hours and events will be posted monthly on the Makerspace calendar and outside the room.  
• Library staff will be available to teach patrons how to use the space and related equipment on a first come first serve basis. 
• Users are responsible for cleaning their workspaces before leaving. 
• The library does not supply free materials outside of Makerspace events and open hours. 
• All patron-supplied materials are subject to inspection and approval by staff and must be accompanied by original packaging with appropriate safety and material information when applicable.
• All materials used in the 3D printer must be purchased from the Library because some materials are hazardous. 
• Patrons using Makerspace equipment to create a project must abide by all U.S. copyright and patent laws. The Maury Loontjens Memorial Library and the Makerspace are not responsible for any copyright breach.
• Notice Concerning Copyright and Other Intellectual Property Restrictions:
  • The copyright law of the U.S. (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.
  • Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement.
  • This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright or other intellectual property laws.

Project Policy: 

• Projects created in this space must be approved by library staff on site and items deemed as dangerous or unlawful will not be allowed in the Makerspace. 
• Projects created in the Makerspace may not to be used for commercial use. 
• Patrons are encouraged to ask for assistance from staff in order to help facilitate their learning experience. 
• Patrons may not leave their personal projects or materials in the Makerspace overnight unless given permission by staff. Patrons have two (2) weeks to pick up any creations or projects. After that time the library is not responsible for items left.
• Patrons may provide their own materials for their personal projects with staff permission.
• Projects and items produced are prohibited that:
  • Violate the library’s code of conduct.
  • Are obscene or inappropriate.
  • Are unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or which pose a threat to the well-being of others.
  • Contain symbols or rhetoric that represent a hate group or qualify as hate speech.
  • Are of a sexually explicit nature.
  • Reproduce objects or materials that are subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection
• The Library is not responsible for the success or failure of any project, and patrons are responsible for the material cost of any applicable project regardless of success or failure.​
• Projects can only be worked on in the Makerspace during walk-in hours. 

Safety: 

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), first aid supplies, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment will be available as needed. 
• Open-toed shoes are not permitted in the Makerspace. 
• Ensure all jewelry, clothing, or hair is secured while operating the equipment. 
• Hands must be kept away from the machines while they are in operation. If there is a critical failure in the machine, inform a staff member and they will attend to it. 
• Should an injury or incident occur in the Makerspace users must immediately inform a staff member for assistance.