Makerspace: Policies and Procedures

Makerspace Usage
The Makerspace is available to all Miami-affiliated students, faculty, or staff. You must have a valid Miami ID card to use the space.  Exceptions must be approved by Sarah Nagle (pricesb@miamioh.edu)  in writing prior to use. In accordance with Miami University Libraries Policy, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or Miami faculty, staff, or student. A responsible party must supervise children under the age of 16 in the operation of Makerspace equipment. 
All adult users must sign a Makerspace Use Agreement And Release Of Liability. Users at least 16 years of age but under 18 years of age must submit a Minor Makerspace Use Agreement And Release Of Liability signed by a parent/guardian. Users must also complete training for use of specified machines.   All users must follow the Safety Guidelines.  Any failure to comply with the above will result in loss of Makerspace privileges. 

Hours of Operation
The Makerspace hours of operation are standardized hours during the academic year, independent of King Library Hours.  Hours may be subject to change for holidays or intercessions. Hours will be posted in the Makerspace and on the Create & Innovate website.  All projects must be completed during standard hours of operation unless otherwise arranged with Makerspace staff. 

Library staff may request space through Google calendar at any time.  All outside library requests should be made by email to create@miamioh.edu at least three business days prior to the meeting or event in question.  All requests are filtered through the Create and Innovate team on a first come first serve basis with respect to open hours and workshop schedules. 
All reservations are to be tracked on appropriate Google calendars for spaces to allow for assessment and tracking purposes. If support is needed for reservation, please see Events Policy.

Usage Limitations
Patrons may only pre-book one machine at a time. If machines are available, Makerspace staff may approve the use of multiple machines at one time, on a case by case basis and at the discretion of staff. 

Patrons may not utilize the Makerspace for any type of commercial use. Selling of items created in the Makerspace is not permitted. 

3D Printing Limits
The maximum booking time for 3D printing is 3.5 hours. If your print is estimated to take more than 3.5 hours, your print must start at most 4 hours prior to close. (For instance, if close is 5 p.m., your print must start no earlier than 1 p.m.) Prints that extend beyond hours of operation must be completed by the start of business the next day. Prints may not extend beyond open hours on Fridays. Prints must be monitored by users for at least 30 minutes prior to leaving them unattended. Prints may never exceed 15 hours in print time. Prints longer than 3.5 hours must be approved by Makerspace staff. Makerspace staff reserves the right to stop a print if approval was not obtained or if the print is at risk of failing. 

Free Material Limits
Free materials are provided for education purposes and convenience. If a project uses more than the free material limit, users are responsible for purchasing their own materials. Users must consult Makerspaces staff to determine whether materials they purchase are approved for use in the Makerspace. Per semester, users are limited to:

• 5 sheets of wood, acrylic, or MDF
• 10 sheets of 12 x 12 vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, sticker paper, or sublimation paper

Makerspace Hours

To facilitate usage for the larger Miami University community, the Makerspace has open hours for usage. Walk-in use of equipment in the Makerspace is on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited staff assistance will be available during Open Hours. For more in-depth assistance, users may schedule an appointment with a staff member. 

3D Printing Policy
Users may not use Makerspace equipment to create objects that endanger themselves or others. 
Staff have the right to refuse any project. All projects must comply with Miami University's 3D Printing Policy. 

Makerspace Projects 
All projects created within the Makerspace must respect the intellectual property of others and follow all U.S. copyright laws. Materials are available in the Makerspace for a fee. Fees will be posted in the Makerspace, and are subject to change.  Users may provide their own materials for projects, but must follow guidelines for acceptable materials as outlined on the Makerspace LibGuide. Staff have the right to refuse any materials or projects. 

General Lab Safety

• Secure all scarves, neckties, loose-fitting clothing, or jewelry when using machinery in the Makerspace. These items can be caught in the equipment and cause injury. 
• Keep hands and arms away from machinery during operation.
• Never use a broken tool or machine. If you notice a tool or machine is broken, inform a staff member right away.
• Keep the floor clear of clutter, wires, and/or trip hazards.
• If you are unsure about how to safely operate machines or equipment, ask a staff member.
• Safety goggles, gloves, and masks are all available for your use.  It is your responsibility to use the proper safety equipment for your project.  Not sure what to use? Just ask!

Machine-Specific Safety Considerations
Please refer to the Safety Manual for each machine for more detailed safety guidelines. Click the name of the machine for full manuals.

GlowForge Laser Cutter 

• Never leave the Glowforge unit unattended while operating – always stay within sight. Look inside frequently. If you need to use the restroom or otherwise briefly leave the space, you MUST NOTIFY STAFF. Leaving the GlowForge unattended while running without notifying staff will result in an immediate ban of your GlowForge privileges. 
• A small, candle-like flame where the laser beam strikes the material is normal. This flame should move with the laser and should not remain lit when the laser has moved past. If there is a lasting flame inside the Glowforge unit that does not extinguish when the laser has moved past, IMMEDIATELY unplug the GlowForge and notify staff. 
• Makerspace staff must pre-approve the materials to be used on the GlowForge.
• Make sure the BOFA air filter is turned on and running before turning on the GlowForge.

3D Printers

• 3D Printers have hot parts that may burn your skin. Do not touch the extruder head or the print bed after turning on the machine. 
• Use safety gloves when removing prints from 3D printer bed. Always point scraper away from your body when removing prints. 

Carvey

• Disconnect the Carvey from the power source before changing bits, loading material, or making any other adjustments to the machine.
• Never operate the Carvey with the front cover open.

Sewing Machines

• Power the sewing machines off before changing needles, replacing bobbin, or any tasks that require your hands to be near the sewing area. 
• Never sew over pins or buttons.
• Always pay attention and keep hands clear of the feeder while sewing.

Heat Press

• The heat press has hot parts that can burn your skin. Do not touch the top part of the press when placing items on the bed for pressing.
• Do not leave the heat press unattended during use. 

General Questions?

Email: create@miamioh.edu

Visit the C+I Staff page for a list of staff and areas of expertise.