Randi Marston Peterson Maker Studio Policies

Policy Statement

The Randi Marston Peterson Maker Studio at Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library offers technologically advanced equipment, computers, software and production spaces for Norfolk Public Library (NPL) patrons and staff.

Definition

The RMP Maker Studio is a self-directed working space. Staff may provide some technical assistance and basic instruction during the initial visit; however, patrons are expected to have a working knowledge of the software and equipment provided. Additionally, staff will provide classes and programming periodically for all equipment within the Maker Studio.

Regulations

1. General

• The Maker Studio is intended for individuals or small groups seeking to create and edit media projects involving, but not limited to, video, audio, music, podcasting, photography, digitization, and illustration, as well as make items through sewing, knitting, crafting, laser cutting and engraving, coding, and 3D printing.
• Use of the Maker Studio must comply with the NPL Code of Conduct, Computer & Internet Use, and all other NPL Policies. Additionally, RMP Maker Studio policies may be more limiting than the policies for the remainder of the library.

2. Age & NPL Card Requirements

• To use and reserve RMP Maker Studio spaces and equipment, Studio users must be 13 years of age or older and have a valid Norfolk Public Library card. Patrons under 13 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or adult caregiver (aged 18 or older) and approved by staff to be in the studio. Additionally, the accompanying adult must have a valid Norfolk Public Library card.

3. Food and Drink

• Food and drink are not allowed in the RMP Maker Studio.

4. Personal Belongings

• All bags and any personal materials not pertaining to Studio projects must be checked in at the RMP desk before beginning any activity in the RMP Studio.
• The library is not responsible for the loss of personal property.

5. Use of Equipment

• Advanced equipment and software may require additional training and practical demonstration by the staff.
• While orientation is not required prior to an appointment, basic instruction and assistance will be provided during the initial visit, along with any necessary safety demonstrations.
• Staff is available for assistance with troubleshooting, program startup and setup of equipment.
• Staff cannot assist with extensive artistic consultations, graphic design, recording or editing, or other lengthy requests.
• The Studio does not provide one-on-one assistance with specific projects beyond the basics of equipment instruction (e.g. the staff does not provide music lessons).

6. Studio Computers

• RMP Studio computers are reserved for patrons working on digital media, crafting, coding, or 3D printing projects. Internet browsing or email usage is not allowed unless related to the project being worked on, including researching software usage and troubleshooting.
• Studio Users are not permitted to install or uninstall any software.

7. Distribution or Sale of Goods or Services

• The RMP Studio may not be used to distribute or sell goods or services.

8. Loss, Damage, or Expense as a Result of Maker Studio Usage

• The library and its staff are not liable for any loss, damage, or expense sustained by any user due to the utilization of services, equipment, software, advice, or information.

9. Reservations

• Reservations are required for all programs and equipment use. Reservations can be made online up to 2 months in advance (and no later than 48 hours prior to the desired date) through Norfolk.Libcal.com for each studio space. Reservations can also be made by calling or emailing RMP Maker Studio 48 hours in advance.
• If reservations are not procured, then walk-ins will be allowed if staffing and supplies are sufficient. Walk-ins will be on a “first come, first serve” basis for all eligible patrons/users of the Maker Studio. 
• Groups of more than 4 require 48 hours advance notice or making reservations for each person in the group. 
• Groups (or individuals) may not make back-to-back reservations under different names.
• Patrons must check in at the desk with their own valid Norfolk Public Library card. The name on the card must match the name on the reservation. Other members of the group will not be allowed to enter the Studio without the reservation cardholder.
• Reservation sessions are issued in 1 to 3-hour increments. No additional time is granted on the same day.
• Patrons who do not arrive within thirty minutes of the scheduled start time will be considered no-shows, and their reservations will be removed. Additionally, patrons who arrive late will not have sessions extended.
• Patron Limits
  • Limit of 4 patrons in the Recording Studio.
  • Limit of 4 patrons in the Photo/Video Studio. 
  • Limit of 1 person per machine for sewing studio, 3D printer, Cricut, and Glowforge.

10. Attendance

• RMP Studio spaces may not be left unattended while reserved and in use. If the responsible cardholder leaves a reserved space unattended without notifying Studio staff (even if others are present in their group), the reservation will be immediately forfeited, and future reservations may be denied.
• Once a studio space has been vacated for more than 30 minutes, the library reserves the right to remove the user's belongings without assuming responsibility or liability thereof and to reassign the space to available status. 

11. Cancellation Policy

• Failure to provide 24 hours’ notice of cancellation may be grounds for suspension of RMP Maker Studio privileges to be determined by the Studio Manager.

12. Equipment, Checkout, & Availability Policy

• There is no Maker Studio equipment available for circulation. The library has a library of things, which includes music and camera equipment for patrons to checkout.
• The Maker Studio does contain books relevant to making that can be circulated.
• Availability of equipment is not guaranteed, and reservations are encouraged.
• Only NPL staff can add, remove, or modify any library-owned equipment, including computers, iPads, cables, keyboards, mice, speakers, instruments, software, racks, wiring, etc.
• Specifically for the 3D Printer & Glowforge
  • Printed items must be picked up within 48 hours or they will be discarded.
  • Multi-day prints are not allowed.
  • Printed and laser cut/engraved projects must be approved by Studio Staff prior to printing.
  • 3D printing and laser engraving/cutting may take several hours. 

13. Materials

• All materials needed for programs/classes are provided free of charge to valid NPL cardholders who have registered for the event unless the event specifically requires patron supplies for participation.
• Filament color for 3D Printer is limited to what is available in the Studio.
• Materials will not be provided for the Glowforge, Cricut, or Sewing Studios outside of a class/program. Patrons must provide their own materials for these studios and must ask Studio staff prior to the project for limitations and specifications.

14. Programming, Clubs, and Groups Policy

• To register for a program held in the RMP Maker Studio, each participant must register separately with a valid NPL Library card. Patrons under 18 may be registered by their adult NPL Card holder.
• Groups or clubs that want to attend programs or visit the Maker Studio for a specific activity must call or email the Maker Studio 48 hours prior to ensure availability and accommodation. Additionally, groups of adults with disabilities must have caregivers present throughout studio visits.

15. Noise and Volume

• Due to the RMP Studio's creative and collaborative nature, a silent atmosphere is not guaranteed. All RMP Studio visitors are asked to be respectful of each other and of the Library's Code of Conduct regarding noise.
• Users must shut the doors to the Recording Studio when in use.
• If sound can be heard outside the RMP Maker Studio space in the library, users will be asked to lower the volume or vacate the Studio.

16. Project Content and Storage Policy

• No weapons (such as guns, knives, swords, etc.) or items that may look like weapons may be created within the Maker Studio at any time. If a patron tries to make/build a weapon in the Maker Studio, the patron will be banned from using the Studio for 1 year.
• RMP Maker Studio-created content must conform to acceptable community and legal standards.
• RMP Maker Studio staff will not convert media or finalize projects for content owners.
• RMP Studio patrons must always be present while projects are digitizing, saving, and/or rendering (with the exception of 3D printing).
• Patrons are required to use personal external storage such as flash drives and/or cloud-based options to back-up projects.
• RMP Maker Studio visitors may connect personal devices to RMP Studio equipment. However, support for such equipment may not be available.
• For security and privacy, the library reserves the right to erase user files left on Library-owned hard drives or flash drives without prior notice.
• Compatibility of personal devices with RMP Studio hardware and software is not guaranteed.
• NPL staff is not responsible for patrons’ work product.

17. Library Staff

• NPL staff must always have free access to RMP Maker Studio production spaces (if NPL patrons are not using the space).
• The library retains the right to monitor all activity conducted on library premises for the purpose of ensuring compliance with library policies and procedures.
• NPL staff may disconnect personal devices which interfere with the operation of library equipment or the ability of other users to complete projects.
• NPL staff may reserve all RMP Maker Studio computers, rooms, Studios, and equipment for training, programs, or maintenance.

18. Damage & Liability

• The library cardholder who reserves the production spaces and dedicated equipment will be considered the main user and will bear responsibility for any damage or misuse of the equipment.
• Cardholders are responsible for returning and restoring all spaces and equipment to the condition in which they were originally found.
• Faulty equipment or room concerns must be reported immediately.
• >Broken or damaged equipment, software, or fixtures will be charged at equivalent replacement cost plus shipping and processing fees.

19. Fair Use & Copyright

• U.S. copyright law provisions for fair use of music, artwork and other creative works are extremely restrictive. Each Maker Studio user is personally responsible for knowing the copyright status of any music or graphic material included in digital media projects. Information about U.S. copyright law can be found online at www.copyright.gov.
• Numerous resources exist for fair use media materials. Computers and the Library network may not be used to illegally upload, download or copy copyrighted materials including software, music, videos and/or graphics. This includes the use of online services that facilitate the unlicensed sharing of media files.
• Concerns about copyright infringement extend to the use of equipment to duplicate copyright-protected documents and graphic materials, including commercial products. Each Maker Studio user assumes all responsibility for observing copyright restrictions when using copiers, scanners or computers in the library.

20. Compliance

• Additionally, the Studio Manager and staff may suspend RMP Maker Studio privileges or remove any patron or group that violates RMP Maker Studio or NPL policies.