3D Printing Policy

Introduction

Nashville public libraries have a number of 3D printers in various branches and through the Studio NPL mobile labs. In providing resources for advancing learning and innovation, printers are used as part of pre-scheduled programs or for general use during designated times. In order to protect physical well-being and intellectual properties of other people, it is necessary to have a public policy that guides the use of 3D printers.

  • As the operation of 3D printers requires a certain level of expertise and training, patron use of the 3D printers will be facilitated by trained library employees or volunteers.
  • Patrons can rely on the library’s promise that information regarding your intellectual activities and property within the library will not be shared with third parties.
  • Objects that may threaten the health and safety of the creator, other patrons, library staff, or the general population will not be sent for printing, neither will any objects prohibited within the library or prohibited by State and Federal law.
  • The library encourages the cultivation of new skills, innovations, and creative expression.
  • Objects that infringe–directly or indirectly–on previously established trademarks or patents may not be printed. 
  • Nashville Public Library’s 3D printers utilize non-toxic, biodegradable PLA plastic filament, and color options are limited and will be selected or changed at the discretion of staff.
  • 3D printers and filament are designated for personal use, and mass production for sales for individual financial gain is prohibited.
  • The library seeks to provide fair and equitable use of new technology and staff may limit an individual’s use of a 3D printer if deemed excessive.

Resolution Title

3D Printing Policy Resolution

History/Background/Discussion

3D printers are increasingly becoming commonplace in libraries around the county, including at Nashville Public Library locations through the Studio NPL program. As a piece of public technology, and in an effort to protect the physical well-being and intellectual properties of other patrons and community members, it is necessary to have a public policy that guides the use of 3D printers.

This policy was informed by an ALA webinar (March, 2015) as well as the policies of Marin County Free Library, Sacramento Public Library, and the website techsoupforlibraries.org.

Nashville Public Library will adopt a clear, posted policy for public use of 3D printers with the following guidelines and rules;

  • As the operation of new maker technologies requires a certain level of expertise and training, patron use of the 3D printers will be facilitated by trained library employees or volunteers.
  • Patrons can rely on the library’s promise that information regarding your intellectual activities and property within the library will not be shared with third parties.
  • Objects that may threaten the health and safety of the creator, other patrons, library staff, or the general population will not be sent for printing, nor will any objects prohibited within the library or prohibited by State and Federal law.
  • The library encourages the cultivation of new skills, innovations, and creative expression and objects that infringe–directly or indirectly–on previously established trademarks or patents, may not be printed.
  • Nashville Public Library’s 3D printers utilize non-toxic, biodegradable PLA plastic filament, and use of color will be selected at the discretion of staff.
  • The library seeks to provide fair and equitable use of new technology and staff may limit an individual’s use of a 3D printer if deemed excessive.

Recommendation

The Board approves the proposed policy guiding the use of 3D printers at Nashville Public Library.

Draftor(s): Niq Tognoni

Person(s) Responsible for Implementation: Elyse Adler

RESOLUTION 2018-10.01

3D Printing Policy

WHEREAS, it is necessary for the public and staff at Nashville Public Library to have a clear policy on utilizing 3D printers, and

WHEREAS, certain dangerous, threatening, or obscene items should not be printed on public printers and

WHEREAS, intellectual property rights of others should be recognized and protected;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Nashville Public Library Board of Trustees to adopt the 3D Printing Policy and that library’s policy and procedures be revised to reflect this.