3D Printing Safety and Guidelines Policy

Safety

• Users must always check in with Youth Services staff prior to entering the Makerspace.
• Patrons with disabilities and/or patrons who are in need of special arrangements or accommodations must notify MCPL Youth Services staff as far in advance (minimum 24 hours) as possible before their expected time of use.
• Long hair must be tied back and any dangling items, like jewelry, to be secured, covered, or removed before use.
• Appropriate close-toed shoes and clothing must be worn in the makerspaces.
• Food and drink are prohibited in the Makerspace.

Guidelines

• The 3D printer may only be used during designated times when library staff or a certified designee is present to operate the printer.
• Users or their guardians must have a valid MCPL library card.
• Users may reserve 3D printer time in advance. Times vary for printer availability,
• Users must pay a nominal fee for use of the printer prior to printing. All projects must be paid in advance, or charged to the User’s account, at the Circulation Desk.
• Print jobs must be completed thirty (30) minutes prior to the library closing time. The printer may not run outside of library operating hours,
• The Library is not responsible for any object created with 3D printers or any harm incurred by a printed object.
• The Library is not responsible for any harm or injury incurred as a result of any usage of the equipment.
• The workspace needs to be cleaned before the User leaves.
• The User will avoid wasting supplies and materials.
• Projects by Users who reserved printer time will be given printing priority. Otherwise, projects will be printed in first come, first served order.
• The library reserves the right to delay or change the printing order of projects depending on how long a project may take to print.
• Once the print is requested and paid for, the User may leave and return later to pick up the completed print. Prior to leaving, the User must provide their contact information to Youth Services staff.
• The User will be notified when their print is complete. Items not picked up after 10 days become the property of the MCPL.
• Supervision of the use of the 3D printers by Library staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgment, of any unapparent final use of the 3D product, and the Library specifically disclaims any knowledge thereof.
• Only MCPL supplied finishing materials may be used.
• MCPL reserves the right to stop, delete, or disallow the creation of items that violate MCPL policy, including the creation of weapons, pornography, or illegal items.
• Only MCPL computers may be connected to library equipment, including 3D printers.
• The Michigan City Public Library upholds the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) and the patent law (Title 35, United States Code). The Michigan City Public Library reserves the right to deny access to reproducing equipment, including 3D printers, if, in its judgment, use of such equipment would involve violation of copyright, patent, or other laws.

The 3D printer must be used for lawful purposes only. The Library Director or designee reserves the right to reject any print job application.   Examples of unlawful purposes or potentially rejected jobs include, but are not limited to:

1. Anything prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
2. Unsafe, harmful, or dangerous items that pose a threat to the well-being of others.
3. Obscene or otherwise inappropriate items for the library environment.
4. Work that is in violation of another’s intellectual property rights.
5. Material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
6. A job that is too large or complex.

MCPL does not accept responsibility for the following:

1. If a project is destroyed, does not print correctly, or does not work.
2. Any manufacturing defects or the quality of workmanship of any of the tools, materials or equipment supplied by MCPL.
3. User equipment or files left behind.