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Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (FVRL) strives to offer access to new, emerging and established technologies to inspire creativity and learning. This policy establishes how and under what circumstances the public may use FVRL's 3D printers.

Rules governing use of 3D printers

3D printers are available to the public to make three-dimensional objects using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file.

The public will not be permitted to use 3D printers to create material that is:

Prohibited by local, state or federal law.

Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an imminent threat to the wellbeing of others, including but not limited to drug paraphernalia and weapons. (Such use may violate the terms of use of the 3D printer design software.)

Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment.

In violation of another’s intellectual property rights or the 3D printer design software terms of use. For example, the printers shall not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, trademark or trade secret protection.

Purpose: 3D printers are intended for educational, entertainment and prototyping purposes. FVRL does not provide access to 3D printers for the production or sale of goods. Assistance with the use of the 3D printer by library staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgement, of any final use of the 3D object. Once in possession by the patron, FVRL expressly disclaims any and all personal injury or property damage caused by use or misuse of a 3D printed object.

Cost: 3D printing as part of a library program may be free. FVRL reserves the right to charge a fee to cover the costs of printing materials.

Use: Patrons may only use the 3D printer with the assistance of designated library staff or volunteers. Damage to the printer will be subject to FVRL's damaged materials policy. FVRL is not responsible for any projects that fail to print correctly.

Items printed from FVRL 3D printers that are not picked up within fourteen (14) days after completion will become property of the library. Design files will be deleted by FVRL staff at the time of printing or at the end of each day. Items must be picked up by the patron who requested them unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance. FVRL reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: 01/16/2018