Makerspace Policies and Use & Liability Forms
Most makerspaces have established policies and a liability form that makers must sign before using the makerspace. Policies vary from one makerspace to another but could cover many of the following subject areas:
Informational:
- The goals of the makerspace
- Where makerspace open hours will be posted
- Information about any fees associated with the makerspace
- Who will have access to the makerspace
- Refund policy (if selling consumables)
- List of approved or not-approved consumables makers can bring in
- Reservation process (if used)
User Requirements:
- Read and agree to policies and sign a use/liability release agreement
- Have a membership, library card, or other requirement if applicable
- Participate in training to operate certain machines
- Adhere to all policies and rules
- Adhere to laws (copyright, etc.)
- Report broken or damaged equipment and missing parts
- Report accidents and injuries
- Report unsafe or inappropriate behavior
Computer/Machine Use
- Abide by computer policies, if applicable
- Never modify
any hardware or software
- Save any created digital content on
a flash drive or via an online cloud service
Safety Related:
- Follow equipment safety procedures
- Safety attire (i.e. gloves, safety goggles, no dangling strings or jewelry)
- Turn off and/or cool down designated machines as outlined in instructions
- Emergency procedures (exits, fire extinguishers, etc.)
Cleanliness:
- Clean up after yourself—the machine and the work space
- Remove your projects when done with a machine
- Dispose of debris properly
Restrictions:
- What cannot be made in the makerspace (weapons, etc)
- Related to food & drinks
- No unsafe behavior
- Age restrictions to operate machine
- Time limits on machines, if applicable
- Use of headphones, ear buds, cell phones while operating machinery
- What machines you must continue to monitor while in operation
Rights of Makerspace:
- May suspend or deny access to makerspace to persons who fail to follow policies
- May institute time limits on machines as needed to accommodate other makers
Examples of policies and forms used by makerspaces:
- Library Innovation Studio Drafted Policy (Nebraska)
- Library Innovation Studio Release of Liability Form (Nebraska)
- Ravenna Public Library’s Makerspace Policy
(Ravenna, NE)
-
Ravenna Public Library’s Makerspace Release of Liability Form
(Ravenna, NE)
-
Nebraska Innovation Studio
(Lincoln, NE)
- Do Space
(Omaha, NE)
- Norfolk Public Library’s Makerspace Policy (Norfolk,
NE)
-
Norfolk Public Library’s Use and Release Agreement (Norfolk, NE)
-
Powers Memorial Library
(Palmyra, WI)
-
Pikes Peak Library District (Colorado Springs, CO)
- Boulder Public Library (Boulder, CO)
-
Charlevoix Public Library (Charlevoix, MI)
-
Moncton Public Library (Moncton, New Brunswick)
-
Weston Public Library (Weston, CT)
-
Louisville Public Library (Louisville, CO)
-
Phillips Free Library (Homer, NY)
- Wixom Public Library (Wixom, MI)
-
Newport Public Library (Newport, RI)
Recorded Policies Webinar
Library Innovation Studio Policies Webinar