Hastings Memorial Library Makerspace Policies 

The Hastings Memorial Library (HML) Makerspace came to fruition through a grant made by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Nebraska Library Commission and its partners: University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension, and Regional Library Systems. Upon hosting a temporary studio in 2019, the Library decided to establish a permanent Makerspace in the community.  With help from local donors and a Kreutz Bennet grant through the Nebraska Community Foundation, the current Makerspace Studio is now here.

The goal of the Makerspace is to empower community residents with the tools and guidance to explore, collaborate, create, learn, and invent through participatory learning experiences. Our hope is that the Makerspace will stimulate creativity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas to facilitate entrepreneurship, skills development, and local economic development.

General Rules/Policies

·        The library will post the hours that Makerspace/equipment will be made available for use, if they are different from the open hours of the library.

·        The library WILL NOT charge for the use of any equipment but makers WILL BE CHARGED for the consumption of consumables used in the making process provided by the Library. A variety of materials provided by HML are available for purchase by makers as per the Consumables Pricing Schedule posted in the library. Prices include sales tax. These consumables are for the express purpose of making and are not otherwise available for purchase.

·        Equipment may be used by any visitor to the library who meets the certification, training, and minimum age requirements as posted by the library.

·        Makers may make items for both personal and commercial use.  Entrepreneurship is encouraged.

·        Makers will not access consumables without the assistance of Library staff or volunteer Trainers. Consumables provided by the Hastings Memorial Library used in the making process must be paid for as stated above.

·        The Hastings Memorial Library will not offer refunds for consumables purchased and used.

·        Users may also bring in their own consumables to use other than the 3D filament that must be purchased from HML stock.

·        Library staff must approve all user-supplied materials and consumables before they are used with the equipment. This is because some materials may produce dangerous fumes and other materials could cause damage to the machine itself or might not be safe to use in the machine. Library staff may reject certain (or unidentifiable) materials, tools, etc.

·        The maker agrees that the Library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects, or the quality or workmanship of any of the tools, materials or equipment supplied by the Library, or for the quality or condition of a user’s project.

·        An HML Makerspace Use and Release Agreement must be signed by all makers (or the parent/legal guardian for makers under age 19) prior to using the Studio equipment. The Library will retain the originals of all signed release forms. Makers cannot be certified to use the machines without this signed form on file.

·        All of the Hastings Memorial Library’s policies (e.g. Internet Use, space use, and behavior in the library) also cover the Makerspace.

·        The Library may suspend or deny access to the Makerspace equipment for persons who fail to follow either the Library’s established behavior and usage guidelines or these HML Makerspace Policies.

·        All makers must participate in training and receive certification before using Makerspace equipment as specified on the equipment use and training chart posted in the library. Note that most equipment requires training, and all equipment requires certification (be entered into the database for equipment they are using). All equipment has minimum age requirements for unsupervised and supervised use that must be followed.

·        Local Trainers or Library staff will enter the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of all authorized makers into the certification database.

·        Library staff will help ensure that makers who are using the Makerspace equipment have been certified on that particular equipment, and that those makers certified but requiring supervision due to age are being supervised.

·        When using a piece of equipment that does not require training, the maker is confirming that he/she is capable of using that item in a safe and proper manner.

·        All makers must sign-in at the front desk or maker check-in desk before using Makerspace equipment.

·        The Library may establish and use an equipment reservation system for the use of Makerspace equipment. The Library may restrict the amount of time that makers are permitted (per day and/or per week) on any piece of equipment so that others have opportunities to use the equipment. If a reservation system is not established, the equipment will be available on a first come, first serve basis. However, time limits may be imposed by Library staff when other makers are waiting to use the equipment.

·        Some Makerspace Equipment must permanently remain at the library. Other equipment may be removed for programming or promotion by local project partners as approved by the Library. Please see library staff for more information.

·        The maker should not use the Makerspace equipment to create or modify objects that are:

o   Prohibited by local, state, or federal law,

o   Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or pose a perceived or immediate threat to the well-being of others (this includes perceived or real weapons of any kind).

o   Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Studio and library environment.

·        Makers will follow all applicable intellectual property laws, including all copyright laws.

·        Makerspace equipment must be returned in the same condition in which it was received with the exception of Lego Mindstorm. A robot created does not need to be taken apart if it fits within the tub provided.

·        Makers agree to take precautions to avoid causing unnecessary mess or damage.

·        No food, gum, or drinks are allowed near equipment or tables holding Makerspace equipment.

·        The library is not responsible for any projects or materials left behind.

·        Files on the Makerspace computers may be wiped clean periodically. For this reason, makers who may use the software on the Makerspace computers to create documents, graphics, and projects must provide their own external storage devices to save their work. Thumb drives are available for purchase from the Library.

·        Makers agree to avoid wasting consumable supplies and materials.

Safety Guidelines

·        Makers will follow all equipment safety procedures as documented in training sessions, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the manufacturer’s instruction manuals, and posted safety notices.

·        Makers should use proper safety attire as outlined in the SOPs: i.e. use of gloves when using the Heat Press.

·        Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended when using Makerspace equipment.

·        Makers should secure long hair, and secure or remove jewelry, lanyards, or other items that could be caught in equipment.

·        Makers should not use headphones (except for music kit or video kit), ear buds, or cell phones while operating machinery.

·        Makers and supervising adults are to be present while the equipment is running. You may leave long 3D print jobs running without being present but the library is not responsible for 3D print jobs left unattended.

·        The Maker agrees that if any tool or piece of equipment becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, he/she will immediately discontinue use of the tool and notify the Library staff or volunteer in charge. Any loose broken parts must be provided to library staff.

·        Makers must report to a staff member any accident or injury that occurs at the time of the incident.

·        Makers will turn off and unplug the Steamer, Iron, Heat Press, and Laminator after use of these items in order to prevent burns and fire.

·        Unsafe behavior is not permitted. Makers are encouraged to report any unsafe behavior observed in the space to the staff member or volunteer on-duty.

·        The Hastings Memorial Library reserves the right to limit the number of spectators to prevent distractions in the safe use of the equipment.

·        The Library may suspend or deny access to the Makerspace equipment for persons who fail to follow these safety guidelines and other general safety precautions or who by their actions or inactions put themselves or others at risk.