Idea Farm

Idea Farm Usage Policy

Purpose:

To ensure equitable, sustainable, and safe use of the Old Bridge Idea Farm Makerspace Workshop and associated components (“Idea Farm”), the following policies and agreements are in place.

1. 1. In using the Makerspace Workshop facilities, the user acknowledges that the equipment being used is highly sensitive, delicate, and may be dangerous if not used properly, and the user therefore releases the Library from any claims, damages or injury arising out of such use.
   2. Makers must be at least nine (9) years of age and possess a valid Old Bridge Public Library (“Library”) card, or other LMxAC library card, in good standing.
   3. Prior to using equipment in the Idea Farm, Makers must: (a) complete an Idea Farm Safety Class and pass the Safety Test; (b) sign a Liability Waiver Form and (c) verify identity with valid photo ID and library card. A Maker under the aged of 16 17 or under, without a valid photo ID may verify his/her identity with a library card and a valid photo ID of a parent/guardian.
   4. Makers must sign in with the staff member on duty at the Information Services Desk, using their Library card. Makers must sign in each time they use the Idea Farm.
   5. Makers under age 9 may assist a Library card-holding parent or guardian. Parent/guardian supervision is recommended for all minors, as the Idea Farm workshop contains potentially dangerous tools and equipment.
   6. Makers under the age 16 or those inexperienced with sewing machines must attend a sewing class before using the sewing equipment in the Idea Farm. Makers under age 16 12 may not use soldering irons or certain sharp cutting tools unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
   7. Makers may not use Idea Farm tools and equipment until safety training has been completed and they are certified by Library staff. Makers must attend safety training in person. Library staff are available to assist in explaining the operation of tools and equipment and upon request, will provide operation manuals to the extent same exist. Due to changes to hardware and software, annual safety training certification is required of all Makers.
   8. The Library provides Makers with access to safety equipment in the workshop, including safety goggles, a First Aid Kit, and a fire extinguishers.
   9. The Maker agrees that the Library is not responsible for any defects in any of the tools, equipment or materials provided for use in the workshop.
   10. The Maker agrees that if any tools or equipment become unsafe or in a state of disrepair, he/she will immediately discontinue use of the tools or equipment and notify Idea Farm staff.
   11. The Maker must report any accident which occurs in the Idea Farm workshop to staff.
   12. Idea Farm workshop tools and equipment are available to Makers on a first come, first served basis. Please ask staff for a list of tools and equipment available.
   13. All tools, equipment or materials used in the workshop are to be returned in the same condition as they were issued, normal wear and tear, excepted. All such items must be returned clean. The Maker agrees to pay for the loss of or damage to any items and further agrees to accept staff’s assessment of fair restitution for damage, delinquency or loss of any item either in part or in total.
   14. Items used in the workshop must be returned by the Maker to a Library staff member.
   15. The Maker agrees to take precautions to avoid causing unnecessary mess or damage in the Idea Farm workshop. The Maker agrees to clean up his/her workspace in the Idea Farm following use, returning the workspace to its original state. The Maker agrees to inform staff in the case that they are unable to return a work surface, tool or equipment to its original state.
   16. 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.
   17. The Maker agrees to abide by the posted price structure for consumables materials. This price structure may be adjusted to cover material cost fluctuations.
   18. Failure to abide by terms of usage policy shall result in suspension of Idea Farm usage privileges.

3D Printing Use Policy

Purpose:

The Library desires to offer equitable community access to new and emerging technologies such as 3D printers.  The Idea Farm seeks to inspire interest in engineering and design, and help the community to bring their ideas to reality.  This policy establishes how and under what circumstances the public may use the Idea Farm’s 3D printers.

The Idea Farm’s 3D printer is available to the public to make three-dimensional objects and prototypes in PLA plastic.  Designs are uploaded to the printer from a digital file. 

1. In using the 3D printer facilities, the user acknowledges that the equipment being used is highly sensitive, delicate, and may be dangerous if not used properly, and the user therefore releases the Library from any claim, damages or injury arising out of such use, and for any claim whatsoever arising from the creation or use of any product which is inconsistent of any provision of this Policy.
2. The 3D printers may be used only for lawful purposes. The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printers to create material that is:
   1. Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
   2. Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others. (Such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer.)
   3. In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
   4. The printing of a weapon of any sort, including but not limited to a blade or firearm, any part of a weapon, or any item intended to be used as a weapon is strictly prohibited.
   5. The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
3. Items printed from 3D printers that are not picked up within 7 days will become property of the Library. Items must be picked up by the individual who printed them.
4. If there is high demand for printer access, the Idea Farm staff will schedule only one print per day per person or entity. Prints from individuals will be scheduled around 3D printing demonstrations and classes, as well as open workshop hours.
5. For Makers using the Idea Farm and working with the 3D Printer, prints cannot be initiated if the end of the print would occur after the Library’s open hours. Contact information must be included with a 3D print request.
6. Failure to pay for a 3D print will result in loss of 3D printing privileges.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees 09/10/2014; revised 08/09/2017; revised 9/12/2018.