Makerspace Policies + Expectations

MAKERSPACE POLICIES

  1. CERTIFICATION REQUIRED.
    All users must be certified to use each piece of equipment in the DSC Makerspace; this means completing all educational models and demonstration sessions as per the requirements of the tool.
  2. WHO CAN USE THE DSC EQUIPMENT?
    Current U of A students, staff, and faculty can access the DSC equipment. Access by members of the public or individuals not affiliated with the U of A may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Please email dsc.library@ualberta.ca for more information.
  3. WHEN CAN THE EQUIPMENT BE USED?
    The DSC's equipment can only run during our scheduled operating hours. Our 3D printers are only permitted to run after-hours if they are housed in the provided enclosures. No overnight prints are permitted over weekends or holiday closures.
  4. EQUIPMENT MUST BE BOOKED BEFORE USE.

    Certified users can book time on machines online; bookings will be approved upon confirmation of the user's certification status.

    PLEASE NOTE: Users who do not arrive within 30 minutes of their booking start time are subject to booking cancellation to accommodate other users.

  5. WHAT CAN BE CREATED?

    Our tools are available for the creation of: models for assignments, research instruments, prototypes of a theoretical design, original art pieces, or personal learning.

    Our equipment may only be used for lawful purposes and in compliance with all U of A policies and regulations.

    It is prohibited to use the DSC Makerspace to create objects or material components in violation of local, provincial, or federal laws, or in violation of intellectual property or proprietary rights.


MAKERSPACE EXPECTATIONS

Users of the Digital Scholarship Centre Makerspace are expected to:

  1. RESPECT THE INTENT OF THE DIGITAL SCHOLARSHIP CENTRE.
    • Come in with a willingness to learn and share knowledge.
    • Share what you are working on and discuss with peers.
    • Do not create weapons or offensive materials.
    • Do not create items for commercial resale.
  2. ENSURE YOU MEET PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SPACE AND ACTIVITY.
    • Safety glasses (for Formlabs).
    • Latex gloves (for Formlabs).
    • Closed-toe shoes.
    • No loose clothing, jewelry, or hair (tie back or wear a hat). Nothing on your person should hang away from your body.
  3. ENSURE SAFETY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY THAT KEEPS THIS SPACE OPEN FOR USE.
    • Only use equipment that you have been trained on/authorized to use.
    • Ask Staff if you are uncomfortable with or need a refresher on how to use equipment.
    • Review Safety Data Sheets before using unfamiliar chemicals or materials.
    • Review and follow the requirements outlined in the Safety Control Bands.
    • Report broken or malfunctioning tools to Staff immediately. Do not try to do repairs yourself.
    • Report all incidents and near-misses to Staff immediately.
    • No outside equipment without asking Staff first.
    • Use the space when you are well-rested and not under the influence of substances.
    • Do not leave machines unattended. The exception is 3D printers, but if you are a certified Maker we also recommend that you check back periodically to monitor your print progress and catch errors and jams.
    • Do not attempt to stop running equipment with any part of your body.
    • Be aware of all the equipment around you, especially moving parts.
    • Ensure that you are working in a properly lit space.
    • Check that all pieces and tools are properly secured before operating equipment.
    • Only one person should be operating a machine at a time.
  4. RESPECT EACH OTHER AND THE SPACE AROUND YOU.
    • Dispose of scraps from your work.
    • Return all tools to their places.
    • Keep floors clean: any spills should be cleaned and tripping hazards removed immediately.
    • Any deliberate mess-making and chaos will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave.
    • If you don't know where items belong, ask Staff.
    • No food or drink in the Makerspace (this is a lab environment).
    • Be aware of the activity going on around you.
    • Share the space and quipment fairly with others.
    • Abide by U of A Library + Museums Community Expectations.
    • This space is dedicated to providing a harassment-free eperience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion. WE DO NOT TOLERATE HARASSMENT OF PARTICIPANTS IN ANY FORM.


MAKE A REPORT

IF YOU ARE BEING HARASSED BY ANOTHER PERSON, NOTICED THAT SOMEONE ELSE IS BEING HARASSED, OR HAVE ANY OTHER CONCERNS, PLEASE MAKE A REPORT.

You may report harassment annonymously, or you cna choose to include your contact information if you would like us to follow up with you for further investigation or to communicate actions that have been taken:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND REFERENCES