Using the Makerspace

The Library Makerspace is committed to fostering creativity, innovation and learning. To ensure fair and equitable access to our resources and equipment, we have established this Fair Use Policy. By using the makerspace facilities, tools and materials, you agree to abide by the following guidelines.

1. Purpose

The Library Makerspace is intended for educational, recreational and non-commercial purposes. We encourage members to engage in creative projects, skill development and exploration of various technologies.

2. Access

The Library Makerspace is open to all students and staff to access as members.

It can be used with supervision during opening hours. Members must have completed the relevant health and safety training to be allowed unsupervised access.

In some cases, the Library Makerspace may be open to access by members of the public for scheduled activities and events. These will be supervised by a member of the Makerspace team.

3. Non-discrimination and inclusivity

The Library Makerspace promotes an inclusive environment and equity of access for all users regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status.

4. Time limits

To ensure fair access for all members, the Library Makerspace may impose time limits on the use of certain equipment or workstations during busy periods.

Members are encouraged to be mindful of others waiting and avoid monopolising resources.

5. Resource limits

The Library Makerspace is for experimentation and play, to form ideas and develop prototypes and artefacts. You may use our resources, such as materials and time using equipment, for free to allow for a process of trial and error in the development process.

If you are thinking about producing multiples of the same artefact, larger scale production, or commercial products, please speak to us about funding sources and means of taking your next steps beyond prototyping.

6. Priority use and reservations

You may need to reserve some equipment or resources due to high demand or limited availability. Priority will be on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, so please plan your project with enough time to take this into account.

Check the Library Makerspace website for news of what is availabile and make reservations when necessary.

7. Intellectual property rights

Any designs or artefacts you produce in the Library Makerspace are your intellectual property, where you are the originator of the design.

There may be occasions where we ask to display or share the work you’ve produced for educational or promotional purposes, with proper attribution to yourself in case of your own designs. In cases where you have used open-source designs, the original designer will be cited alongside yourself as maker.

8. Modification of policy

We may revise this Fair use policy to adapt to changing circumstances or to improve the Makerspace experience. Members will be informed of any significant policy changes.

By using our Library Makerspace, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to abide by this Fair Use Policy.