The Hyde Park Library Collaboratory

The Hyde Park Library Collaboratory is a publicly accessible media lab containing a sizeable collection of digital content production equipment. The purpose of the Collaboratory is to enrich Hyde Park Library patrons’ understanding of and ability to use a variety of media formats and associated equipment.

With an emphasis on digital media and the maker movement, patrons can engage in projects across a variety of core content areas including graphic design, photography, video, music, 2D/3D design, STEM, robotics and hands-on making. The Collaboratory connects patrons (with a focus on teens) with media, equipment and instruction in a space designed to inspire collaboration and creativity.

Room Use: Access to the Collaboratory, which is located in the basement of the Main Building is strictly limited to staff supervised visits until a user is cleared by staff to be in the Collaboratory alone. Users should be aware that all activity that happens in the Collaboratory takes place under the surveillance of a security camera.

Equipment Use: Collaboratory equipment may only be used under supervision in the Collaboratory with certain exceptions. Patrons who demonstrate proficiency with and proper care of specific equipment may be cleared by the Library Director to use it without supervision. Due to cost, safety, or other factors, certain equipment will always require staff supervision. Patrons using Collaboratory equipment will respect and obey all pertinent laws, copyrights, and trademark rules in accordance with New York State law.

Hyde Park Library’s 3-D Printer

Hyde Park Library’s 3D printer is available to all patrons of the Hyde Park Library to create, for a fee, physical objects based on digital files
and using Library-provided filament.

1. The Library’s 3D printers may be utilized only for lawful purposes. The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printers to create material that is:

a. prohibited by local, state, or federal law;
b. unsafe, harmful, or dangerous, or that poses an immediate threat to the well- being of others;
c. obscene or otherwise inappropriate;
d. in violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.

2. Due to the fact that we are unable to foresee all circumstances and situations, the Library reserves the right to refuse a 3D print request.

3. Cost: Patrons will be charged based upon grams of filament used. This cost may change as the price of filament changes.

4. Items printed from Library 3D printers that are not retrieved within 7 days will be deemed to be property of the Library.

5. Items must be retrieved by the patron who made the initial request for a print.

6. Only designated Library staff will have “hands-on” access to the 3-D printer.