Multnomah County Library provides access, training, and technology to everyone and offers programs, materials and tools of creation to people who have limited access or opportunity. By offering access to technologies such as 3D printers we build digital literacy and ensure success in a digital world. This policy establishes how and under what circumstances the public may use the library’s 3D printers.
Please note: remote 3D printing is not available. If you have 3D printing questions please email ROCmakerspace@multcolib.org.
Rules governing use of library 3D printers
The library’s 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 the library’s 3D printers to create material that is:
- Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an imminent threat to the well-being 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.)
- In violation of federal, state or local laws or regulations regarding accessing, viewing, printing and distributing obscenity or child pornography.
- 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.
- The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
- Cost: 3D printing at the library is currently free, made possible by gifts to The Library Foundation and a grant from Mount Hood Cable Regulatory Commission. The library reserves the right to charge a fee in the future to cover the costs of printing materials.
- Items printed from library 3D printers that are not picked up within thirty days after completion will become property of the library and the patron waives all property rights in the printed object. Design files will be deleted by library staff at the time of printing or at the end of each day. Items must be picked up by the patron who printed them unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance.
- Patrons may only use the 3D printer with the assistance of designated library staff or volunteers and only after completing any required orientation. Damage to the printer will be subject to the library's damaged materials policy.
- The library’s 3D printers are intended for educational, entertainment and prototyping purposes. The library 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, the library expressly disclaims any and all personal injury or property damage caused by use or misuse of a 3D printed object.