Makerspace

The aim of the Makerspace area in the library is to provide the Ōtorohanga community with the opportunity to access resources and equipment that will enable you to pursue your creative endeavours.  It is a space where visitors can use and create using the provided equipment.  

The objective is for the Makerspace area to be a hub of self-directed learning. Staff are on hand to help users troubleshoot, but they will not be providing active tuition in this space. Guides and user manuals will be provided to support users, but the aim is for users to take a hands-on approach allowing you to use, create and problem solve independently.

The principles behind the Makerspace area are based on STEAM ideals: 

Science
Technology
Engineering
Art
Mathematics

Health & Safety

Due to the nature on the equipment there are guidelines in place to ensure the health and safety of staff and users. The space is open to users aged 14 and over. Any children in this space must be supervised AT ALL TIMES by a parent or caregiver. This is because some of the equipment has the potential to cause harm if misused.

Therefore, it is vital that all users follow staff instructions and use any safety equipment that is provided. In some instances staff are required to brief users on safety aspects of particular pieces of equipment. 

Users must check in with staff  before they begin their work to access the equipment.  This provides an opportunity for library staff to be aware of who is using the space at any given time.  Some objects, such as those produced on the 3D printer and Scan n Cut machine are time controlled and staff will work to ensure that there is time for all pieces of work to be produced in an appropriate time frame.

Guidelines of Use

While we encourage users to explore their artistic potential using the provided equipment, Ōtorohanga Library does reserve the right to refuse any request if we feel it is in breach of our guidelines or is otherwise inappropriate.

• The equipment must not be used to produce any object or image that is prohibited by law.  This includes any gang insignia.
• The equipment must not be used to produce any object or image that is objectional and discriminatory.
• The Makerspace is open to users who wish to produce objects or images on a small scale only. It is not suitable or appropriate to use the equipment to produce items on a commercial scale.
• Users are not to use the equipment to produce firearms or weapons of any kind.
• Users must take great care to be mindful of copyright. Therefore, they must ensure that any objects, items or parts thereof are not infringing upon the intellectual property, copyright, patent or trademark rights of others.