Makerspace Policy
Purpose
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) offers makerspace equipment and services to further the library’s mission and meet the informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community. Library makerspaces are free and open to use by any library cardholder.
General Rules
Prior to using any library makerspace, individuals must sign a waiver indicating they have been informed of makerspace policy and agree to the policies and rules of use. Patrons under 19 years of age require a parent or guardian to sign the waiver.
Individuals using the makerspace agree to follow staff directives for safe and appropriate use of supplies and equipment. Individuals not following the Makerspace Studio Safety Guide & Expectations or in violation of Rules of Conduct may be removed from the space and their makerspace privileges revoked.
In order to provide equal access for users, the library may set time limits for makerspace usage and require user sign-up or reservations. Due to high demand for equipment use, if space allows, more than one library user may be scheduled in the studio at the same time if utilizing different equipment. The library may institute cancellation or no-show rules for the best utilization of staff time and library resources.
Equipment in the makerspace shall be used only for lawful purposes. The public will not be permitted to use equipment to create material that is:
• Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
• Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the wellbeing of others.
• Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment.
• In violation of another’s intellectual property rights.
Users are expected to utilize the library makerspace in a responsible manner and to respect the rights of other users and staff. Any actions that will cause damage to equipment, or will result in the invasion of privacy or harassment of others will not be allowed.
Users under the age of 13 are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times for appointments and walk-in hours.
3D Printing Policy
Anyone requesting use of 3D printers must have a library card or a Guest Patron Card. All 3D projects will be approved and printed or assisted by a trained library staff member.
In order to provide equitable access, users may be asked to limit the number of print requests they make per month. Fees may be assessed for large or oversized prints or for additional requests.
No guarantee of completion time will be made and objects will not be reprinted except in the case of mechanical failure of the printing equipment.
The Library reserves the right to refuse the production of any content at any time at the discretion of the Library staff. Examples of objects that will not be produced include, but are not limited to:
• Objects that are prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
• Objects that are illegal or harmful to minors or that may be used as weapons.
• Any object that is unlawful, threatening, abusive, tortuous, obscene, and racially, ethnically, or otherwise objectionable.
• Objects that may be constructed as having an intent to harm or capability of harming others in any way.
• Objects, whole or in part, that are subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
Penalty for Violation of Policy
Any user who fails to comply with this policy or Rules of Conduct will receive a warning and may forfeit the remainder of their reservation time. After the first warning, users continuing to violate makerspace rules and policies may be issued a 90-day suspension from all HMCPL makerspace facilities and programs. Trespass warnings exceeding six months may be appealed to the Library Board by submitting an appeal in writing to the Executive Director.
