Libraries

Policies and procedures

The purpose of the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab is to facilitate the exploration of new technology, encourage visitors to utilize their creative skills as they create new things, and build community and social connections.

Safety

Maintaining a safe environment is a priority. The use of the Innovation Lab space is guided by Kansas State University regulations and K-State's Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Failure to adhere to these rules will risk the immediate suspension of the offending activity and may lead to restriction of access to the space and equipment. If you are unsure of how to safely use equipment, resources or materials, always consult with a staff member.

First-Aid kits and personal protection equipment are located in the Makerspace and the Fabspace. If an emergency should occur, contact the K-State Police Department at 785-532-6414 or dial 911.

Access

The Innovation Lab is open to K-State students, staff and faculty, as well as members of the Kansas community. Youths under the age of 18 are welcome, but supervision may be required. Patrons aged 12 and under may use the Innovation Lab if supervised by an adult at all times. The adult is responsible for the actions of the child.

Creation

Commercial use
Commercial use or mass production are not permitted in the library makerspaces. Prototyping, experimentation and testing are all welcome.

Personal projects
Personal projects are permitted and strongly encouraged! During busy times of the semester, the use of our resources for academic research and class assignments will take priority over individual creative projects. 

Cost sharing
Many projects within the Innovation Lab make use of consumable materials (e.g., 3D printer filament, wood, etc.).  We strive to keep some materials on hand.  However, if you need very specific or hard-to-find materials for a particular project, you are encouraged to bring that material with you.

Donation policy

The Innovation Lab and its visitors benefit from your donations as consumable materials are a significant cost. Please consult with Innovation Lab staff prior to making a donation. We maintain the right to refuse any donations and remove any items that are no longer useful. It is up to the donor to assign a value to a donation.

We welcome donations in the following areas:

  • Fabric, thread and yarn
  • Scissors, glue and crafting supplies
  • Scrapbooking materials
  • Sheet wood and acrylic panels
  • LEGOs and STEM kits
  • Computers, radios, test gear and electronics parts
  • Tools and shop equipment
  • Nuts and bolts
  • 3D printer filament and resin

Working with minors and the community

Members of the community are welcome to use the equipment in the Innovation Lab. We follow the Policy for the Protection of Minor Children Participating in University Programs policies and require adults to accompany any minors visiting the space. Be aware that the Innovation Lab does not filter or monitor computer usage.

Equipment policies

3D printers

  • Please work with the Innovation Lab staff to print items.
  • Printing weapon-related items (including prop items and anything resembling a weapon) or items deemed inappropriate or explicit will not be permitted. Decisions by Innovation Lab staff regarding unacceptable items are final.
  • During peak usage at the end of each semester, personal prints may be paused in order to accommodate class-related projects. Consult with staff if a project is research-related and time sensitive.
  • Innovation Lab staff manage all resin-related 3D prints, including printer operation, print submission, removal and curing.

Lasercutters

  • Don't cut, engrave, or score materials with an unknown composition, highly-mirrored surfaces, or that are known to be flammable.
  • Don't leave a lasercutter unattended while in operation.

Cricut/vinyl cutting

  • Avoid using content or objects that may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of a third party
  • Don't leave the heat press unattended while in operation.

IT Equipment Checkout

Recording studios

  • No food or drink is allowed in the studio rooms or the vestibule area, except water in containers with a secure closure.
  • Users are responsible for saving and backing up their own files.
  • If you require a specific application that's not on the provided computer, let us know so we can consider expanding our options.
  • Reconfiguration of hardware is not allowed. Do not unplug any cables. Please contact the Innovation Lab staff if assistance is required.

Sewing machines and sewing tools

  • Needles and pins exist in this area. For your own safety, we ask that you not bring food, open drink containers, nor small children into the Makerspace.
  • When you're done working, replace all tools on the wall, check your workspace for sharp items, and toss or recycle scraps. Return the machines to the way you found them, (e.g., re-thread with white, cover the machine and unplug it).