Makerspaces code of conduct
Users of the makerspaces in Walter Library and the Health Sciences Library agree to respect and abide by UMN Libraries' policies, University-wide guidelines and policies, and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as state and federal laws, including those around copyright and intellectual property.
General expectations
- The library makerspaces are shared spaces and are free to use. Take care of them. The equipment and materials are free. However, they may not be used to reproduce copyright-protected materials, except for personal use.
- Use only what you need.
- Ask a staff member for help if you are uncomfortable or uncertain of what to do.
- Report problems or broken equipment immediately to a staff member onsite or via email to [email protected]
- Help us create a respectful and safe environment. Follow safety procedures and university policies.
- Share your knowledge if you can, and help others use the space.
Access
Access to the makerspace in Walter Library is available to everyone during Walter hours. Access to the makerspace in the Health Sciences Library is available to U-Card holders during open hours.
Commercial use
Commercial use or mass production are not permitted in the library makerspaces. Prototyping, experimentation, and testing are all welcome.
Storage
Overnight storage available in cabinet displays
Must notify staff before storing items
Must mark items with initial date of storage, full name, and x500 email.
Items can be stored for a month at a time and can be subject to clearing upon the failure to notify or communicate with staff for an extension
Items will be cleared on the last day of every fall, spring, and summer period.
Equipment use
These guidelines are meant to ensure appropriate use of materials and supplies and maximize access for all users. Makerspace staff will enforce these guidelines with respect for all users and their projects.
3D printing
- All print jobs should be eight hours or less. Five hours or less is preferred.
- Prints over 24 hours must be approved by staff.
- Only one print job per patron at a time.
- Watch the print for the first 30 minutes to ensure the print starts successfully.
- Users do not need to stay for the duration of their print, but staff may remove completed prints from the printer.
Cricut maker and inkjet printers
- The inkjet printers should only be used for Cricut projects. For regular black and white or color printing, please see the main library service desk.
- Basic paper and vinyl materials are provided for the Cricut. These materials may change as needed, at the discretion of the Makerspace staff. Requests are welcome but may not be fulfilled due to cost.
- Outside materials may be brought in for Cricut projects.
- Personal computers can be connected to the Cricut and inkjet printers.
Laser cutter
- The laser cutter has a limit of one hour per day per patron. Must request staff approval if otherwise
- All patrons allowed up to 3 sheets of mdf board and/or 3 sheets of acrylic per day. Must request staff approval for additional materials.
Resin printers
- All patrons allowed up to one print on queue per printer at a time
- All prints over 12 hours must be approved by staff
- All solid prints must be hollowed unless staff approval was granted
Button makers
- Individuals are limited to 20 buttons per visit
- Groups are limited to 50 buttons per visit
- Additional materials can be granted upon staff approval
Age policy
The Libraries makerspaces welcome patrons of all ages. Adult supervision is required for patrons under the age of 18.
Weapon
The Libraries makerspaces comply with the campus-wide policy on possession and carrying of weapons. Weapon means a firearm or a dangerous weapon as defined by Minnesota Statutes 609.02.
We will not 3D print or otherwise fabricate any kind of part for use in actual functional weaponry.
If you are unsure if your project is allowable, please check with staff before coming to the makerspace.