TXWES Makers Lab

Guidelines for Use of TXWES Makers Lab

The TXWES Makers Lab is a state-of-the-art laboratory that provides access to cutting-edge technologies, equipment and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.The following procedures have been developed to ensure the Makers Lab provides the most positive and successful learning environment possible for its users.

Access to TXWES Makers Lab for Users Under 17

TXWES Makers Lab users under 17 must have a parent or guardian present to sign the Maker Waiver Form. Users under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. The age restrictions will be identified on the usage guidelines for each piece of equipment. 

General Use Procedures

1. The Makers Lab is a teaching and learning space for current students, faculty and staff in any major or year of study.
2. The Makers Lab does not offer drop-off production services. Appointments must be scheduled 24 hours in advance to ensure the lab is staffed.
3. Users are required to have a TXWES ID to enter the Makers Lab and/or use the equipment.
4. Users are required to check in with Makers Lab staff when entering the lab and before operating equipment.
5. Users must be trained on the safe and proper use of equipment by Makers Lab staff before they will be allowed to operate any equipment. Safety courses are required for certain equipment.
6. Users must immediately report all problems or concerns, including all actual or potential injuries or accidents, to Makers Lab staff.
7. Users must immediately discontinue use of equipment and alert a Makers Lab staff member if the user suspects an equipment malfunction.
8. Users must not attempt to repair any equipment or modify computer settings or programs.
9. A user’s failure to followall instructions and directions given by Makers Lab staff may result in dismissal from the Makers Lab.
10. A user’s failure to operate the equipment properly and safely may result in the user’s loss of access to the equipment and/or monetary damages being charged to the user to replace or repair the equipment.
11. Beverages and food are not permitted within the lab.
12. Users are responsible for cleaning up after each project and for keeping all work areas clean and free of debris. Users are expected to return tools and supplies to the designated areas. Sweeping, wiping down machines, and cleaning off tables
13. Please clean up spilled liquids immediately to prevent slipping hazards and alert staff.
14. Don’t waste. Place all used scrap in marked containers.
15. Users must allow enough time to work on projects and work at a pace that is comfortable; rushing will compromise safety and increase the chance of damaging equipment.
16. If users do not know, or are unsure how to do something in the Makers Lab — ASK!  Users should never try to do something they do not know how to do.
17. Users shall treat each other respectfully, sharing their knowledge whenever possible.
18. Users must follow the Makers Lab dress code when using equipment (see Safety Guidelines).
19. TXWES Makers Lab is not responsible for any defects or the quality of any of the equipment in lab. If any of the equipment begins to act unsafe or incorrectly, immediately discontinue use and notify Makers Lab staff. If you notice any damage to the equipment, please notify staff and ask approval before use. 
20. Equipment borrowed must be returned in the same condition as issued, barring normal wear and tear. Makers agree to pay for the loss of or damage to any items due to misuse. 
21. Makers may temporarily lose equipment access and require retraining on equipment if they: 1. cause the equipment to be out of service; 2. do not follow the equipment usage guidelines; 3. demonstrate a lack of the basic knowledge required to use the equipment. 
22.  A Maker must be in reach of the equipment at all times while it is in use.
23. Any personal effects or supplies left unattended or stored in the space are not the responsibility of the Makers Lab or the West library. 

Fees and Pickup Procedures

1. There will be a charge for any library supplied materials and consumables. Makers must pay all fees at the time TXWES Makers Lab equipment and services are used. If not paid, Makers Lab staff reserve the right to refuse service and/or keep any items not paid for. Takes effect September 1, 2019.
2. Prices will vary depending upon the type of material used.
3. Approved materials brought in by users will not incur any usage charges.
   1. The DTG Printer and Glowforge are the only exceptions to this which have usage fees.
4. User supplied materials must be approved by Makers Lab staff prior to usage. 
5. The Makers Lab reserves the right to refuse usage of any user supplied materials.
6. The Makers Lab does not have room to store projects; items created within the Makers Lab must be picked up within 14 days from the start of the project.
7. If items are left after 14 days from the start of the project, they will be considered abandoned and will become property of West Library to dispose of or display at the discretion of Makers Lab staff.  Users will still be charged for library supplied materials and consumables used for abandoned projects.
8. Items must be picked up by users who created them with presentation of a proper TXWES ID.

1. To ensure that the Makers Lab is an ethical learning environment, the creation of the following projects is prohibited at the discretion of the Library administration
   • ​Any project prohibited by local, state, or federal law (Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.05);
   • Any project that is unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses a threat to the well-being of others;
   • Any project that contributes to a hostile academic or work environment;
   • Any project that violates another’s intellectual property rights, which includes but is not limited to: applicable files, data, images, or any other materials collectively known as "content" and the use of that content will not infringe upon copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, or any other proprietary property rights;
   • Any project that is considered sexually explicit or otherwise offensive; and,
2. The Library administration reserves the right to refuse any fabrication requests deemed inconsistent with Texas Wesleyan’s policies and procedures.