The Makerspace is a flexible, participatory learning environment where Makers can utilize a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, gain access to the latest technology to encourage entrepreneurship, and become more creative and empowered with new skills. St. Mary’s County Library wants Makers of all sorts to be able to share the space and equipment with one another.

To achieve this goal, Makers must observe not only the Library’s policies, but the additional guidelines and responsibilities listed here and respect the Library’s Rules of Behavior.

Young children are the responsibility of their parents or caregivers and may not be left unattended in the Makerspace. Makers under age 14 or minors whose behavior requires supervision must be with their parents or caregivers at all times. Parent/caregiver supervision is recommended for all minors, as the Makerspace contains potentially dangerous tools.

The Makerspace may not be used to create materials that are:

• Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
• Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others, or are otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment, as determined by Library staff, including weapons. (Such use may also violate the terms of use of the manufacturer.)
• In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, makerspace equipment will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.

The Library disclaims all knowledge of, and does not accept responsibility for, the purpose or use of any item created in the Makerspace.

Most tools and equipment are available to Makers on a first come, first serve basis. 3D printers will be run by Library staff only.

Some equipment may require training before use. Makers may not use these pieces of equipment unless the Maker has attended a training class, passed any required certification test for that piece of equipment, signed a liability waiver, and received approval from staff for each use.

When using equipment without a training requirement, the Maker certifies that they are capable of using the equipment in a safe and proper manner. Library staff is available to assist in explaining the operation of tools and equipment and will make materials such as manuals available upon request.

The Maker will not attempt to modify any of the equipment, including changing blades, ink cartridges, filament, etc. Library staff will perform any needed maintenance or modification at their discretion.

The Library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in the quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any of the tools or equipment in the Makerspace. If any of the equipment begins to act unsafe or incorrectly, the Maker must immediately discontinue use and notify Library staff. If the Maker notices any damage to the equipment, they must notify Library staff and ask approval before use.

The Makerspace is equipped with safety supplies, including first aid kits. Makers must report any accident/incident that occurs on Library premises to a staff member.

Items used in the Makerspace are to be returned in the same condition as they were issued, barring normal wear and tear. The Maker agrees to pay for the loss or damage to any items and further agrees to accept the Library staff’s assessment of fair restitution for damage, dirtiness, delinquency, and/or loss of items in part or total.

The Maker agrees to take precautions to avoid causing unnecessary mess or damage in the Makerspace. The Maker agrees to clean up his/her/their workspace following use. The Maker agrees to inform a Staff member in the case that they are unable to return a work surface, tool, or equipment to its original state.

The Maker acknowledges that the Library is only able to provide consumable materials on a limited basis. The Maker agrees to avoid wasting consumable supplies and materials.

The Library reserves the right to:

• Set a maximum time limit for a Maker to use the Makerspace.
• Charge Makers for using Makerspace equipment and/or consumables.
• Use the Makerspace for programs and activities, making it temporarily unavailable to the public.
• Refuse any request to use the Makerspace.
• Halt, delete, or disallow the creation of items that violate St. Mary’s County Library policies.