Training and Instructions

New users and/or those who need help and support are required to make an appointment with a Digital Navigator. Digital Navigators are available for 45-minute sessions to teach the basics of the equipment or station.

Returning users or users who do not need support may reserve the space without a Digital Navigator appointment. Instruction and support are not available without making an appointment. Users who reserve the space without making an appointment acknowledge that they do not need support. Should machine malfunctions occur, Library staff will facilitate shutting off the machines and refer users to make an appointment with a Digital Navigator.

Over 18 different types of software are available in the makerspace for use at no cost. Digital Navigators and Library staff will share resources for users to learn how to use the software. It is the users responsibility to gain proficiency with the software available in the space. 

The makerspace’s purpose is to provide creative and design access to the community. Users will understand that not every design will come out perfect, and oftentimes users must practice creating their final design. There may be mistakes or mishaps with the machines. There may be mistakes or mishaps with the settings or file design itself. Trial and error are part of the processes.

Hours and Usage

All users agree to Library policy terms about using the makerspace. All users acknowledge they must properly save their project. The Library and its staff are not responsible for any loss of data that may occur.

Users may reserve the space for up to 3 hours per day on weekdays and 2 hours per day on Saturdays. Users may pre-schedule up to 3 reservations at a time. Reservations may be made up to 2 weeks in advance. 

Walk-ins may use the space if it is open without a reservation. If the space is open, walk-ins may have more than 2 reservations per year.

1 person or group may reserve the makerspace at any given time. Groups may consist of up to 5 people at a time.

If no users are in the space afterward, users may ask for a time extension before their reservation time is finished. If users finish their project before their reservation is over, inform desk staff.

Walk-ins are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations are held for 15 minutes. If users are more than 15 minutes late, Library staff reserve the right to cancel the reservation.

No-shows forfeit their reservation/appointment block. Three no-shows within a six month period results in loss of reservation privileges and users may only walk in to use the space.

Users must complete their work and project within the timeframe of their appointment. Users are expected to save items regularly and be logged out of their computer by the time their appointment is over.

The Library uses the scheduling platform Skedda to reserve the space. Users must create a Skedda account to make a reservation. Library staff will support users to create an account and teach how to reserve the space. Users must create their own solo reservartions. Skedda allows one account per person – users may not reserve the space with multiple accounts. Failure to comply with regulations may result in loss of privileges to use the space.

Procedures and Material Usage

Only items and equipment in the room and makerspace checkout cabinet are available to use.

Library staff/Digital Navigators are not responsible for personal patron projects.

The filament loaded on to a machine is the filament available to use. At this time, color choice is not an option for free printing in the library makerspace. Should a patron require a specific filament formulation, not color (i.e. PETG or TPU), an appointment with a digital navigator to work through a project and learn about settings and functionality may be made.

All users will tidy up the space and clean up any materials used. All checked out items will be returned to the service desk.

Consumable materials to get started are available at no cost to patrons. This includes:

• 3D printer filament up to the 3 hour appointment limit. Users must stay with their print for the first 30 minutes to ensure bed adhesion and no mishaps.
  • Users may leave the makerspace temporarily while a project prints, but they must return to retrieve their print at the end of their reservation to ensure the machine(s) are available for the next user.
• First three Snapmaker projects (such as wood, leather, acrylic, etc). Additional materials may be brought in by users. Please view the acceptable materials list from the Snapmaker website. 
  • Users may leave the makerspace temporarily while a project engraves, but they must return to retrieve their project at the end of their reservation to ensure the machine(s) are available for the next user.

Larger 3D prints

Loveland Public Library as multiple 11.75” bed printers available. The Library does not take orders for 3D prints. Users are taught how to print their large projects. Users may use the larger 3D printers for larger projects when working with a Digital Navigator. There is no size or time limit – if it fits, it prints.

For prints greater than 6 hours or 80 grams of filament, users must purchase and bring in the filament used in the library’s machines. The library will not hold filament for patrons. Note that the larger machines only use 2.85MM size filament.  The acceptable filament types used in the Library are 3D Fuel PLA or Polymaker PLA for average projects, or Polymaker PETG for stronger/larger projects.

Safety

Using the makerspace is relatively safe, but users should be aware of the potential hazard to using the machines or using them improperly. Users of the space agree to usage terms outlined in the library policy. The Library is not liable for any injury obtained in the makerspace.  

All users should enter the space with their hair tied back, no loose jewelry, and no loose clothing that may get taught on a machine. No food or drink is permitted in the makerspace.

The 3D printer reaches temperatures up to 290 degrees Celsius (554F). Users will not touch the machine, especially while it is running. Touching or getting too close to the machine may result in burns or injury. Library staff may facilitate taking prints off the 3D printer plate for users.

The laser engraver uses a 10W and 40W laser. Users will not open the enclosure during engraving and will properly close the enclosure may result in eye injury or harm. The laser engraver may not run after library hours due to safety concerns of an unattended laser.

The 3D printer support removal toolkit features pliers, clippers, picks, and files. Failure to use these tools properly may result in injury.

Failure to adhere to safety precautions result in suspension of using the makerspace.

First Time Users and Users Who Need Support

Users who have never used the makerspace are required to make an appointment with a Digital Navigator to use the space. A Digital Navigator will teach users how to use the equipment successfully and offer resources for continued software learning.

All users making an appointment agree to the terms of using the makerspace outlined on this page.

Returning Users and Users Who Don't Need Support

Users who are already comfortable using the equipment or don't need support are able to schedule a reservation themselves during all open hours. If situations arise where users need support, please make an appointment.

All users reserving the makerspace agree to the terms outlined on this page.