The AR Creation Studios (ACS) Makerspace fosters creativity, collaboration, and experiential learning through exploration and play using a variety of equipment and tools to create both academic and personal projects. Like all AR Creation Studios spaces, the Makerspace has been designed with the intention of serving creators of all skill levels. No prior knowledge or specific background is required to use our space, just a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn and create!

As a hands-on learning educational space, patrons will need to come in and use the resources to create their projects themselves. Makerspace staff will not make things for patrons. For patrons who may not know how to do something, Makerspace staff are happy to show them how or learn alongside them to help projects become reality! In the Makerspace, mistakes during creation are simply part of the experimentation process and they are celebrated as learning opportunities which improve both the creator and project.

Access

The Makerspace is open to all current University of Arkansas-Fayetteville students, faculty, and staff during ACS hours of operation.

Everyone who uses the ACS Makerspace is required to complete both the AR Creation Studios User Agreement and ACS Makerspace General Safety Orientation prior to using the space. This can be done during your first visit.

In addition, all patrons of the Makerspace must follow all use policies and guidelines of the space to help maintain an open and welcoming environment for all. Use of the ACS Makerspace is a privilege, not a right, and failure to follow policies and guidelines can result in revocation of this privilege.

Hours of Operation

AR Creation Studios hours of operation are posted on the Library Hours webpage.

No after-hours use or access is permitted.

Patrons can stop in any time during open hours or contact ACS Makerspace staff at arcreate@uark.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss their project idea.

General Use and Code of Conduct Policies

• Patrons must check in using their UARK ID card at the Makerspace service desk upon arrival.
• Some equipment may require additional training which patrons must complete before they are able to reserve and use.
• Food and beverages are prohibited in the Makerspace.
• Patrons must treat the space, equipment, and each other with respect. Disruptive, harassing, discriminatory, and threatening behaviors of any kind will not be tolerated.
• Patrons are to use only the materials they need. Be mindful of others by sharing tools and resources fairly.
• All equipment, tools, and supplies are maintained and provided for use inside the Makerspace only. This includes construction paper, cardboard, glue, markers, etc. which are not available on a “grab and go” basis.
• Patrons may not bring outside materials into the Makerspace unless otherwise noted or the Makerspace Manager has given prior approval.
• Clean up workstations after use and return tools and supplies to their designated areas.
• Share your knowledge, encourage others, and embrace the collaborative nature of the space. Consider taking time to explain your project if someone expresses interest in what you’re creating.
• Patrons cannot create any weapons, parts of weapons, or weapon-like items, including toy or replicas.
• Patrons cannot create any items which are illegal, have malicious intent, appear harmful, or pose a threat to the well-being of others.
• Use of the ACS Makerspace and its resources for commercial or business-related purposes is prohibited, including mass production for resale.
• Patrons must abide by all University Libraries and University of Arkansas policies as well as local, state, and federal laws, including those around copyright, trademarks, patents, and intellectual property rights.
• Respect ACS Makerspace staff and acknowledge they have final say on what is permissible inside the space in pursuit of maintaining a safe and positive environment for all.

Safety Guidelines

Below are some of the AR Creation Studios Makerspace safety guidelines. This list does not cover all the safety and operational aspects of the Makerspace and its resources, but it does highlight important guidelines. For additional safety information or instructions, please contact the Makerspace Manager.

• Always obey ACS Makerspace staff instructions.
• Use equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Never work in an impaired, stressed, tired, or any other state that inhibits a person from working carefully.
• Always ask an ACS Makerspace staff member for help if unsure of what to do. There is no such thing as a dumb question!
• Always wear closed toe shoes.
• Secure all long hair, scarves, ties, lanyards, loose-fitting clothing, or jewelry when using equipment. These items can get caught and cause injury.
• Safety goggles, hearing protection, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) are available for use. It is the patron's responsibility to wear proper safety equipment when working on projects.
• Do not startle, interrupt, or distract any patron using equipment or tools.
• No odorous, noxious, and strongly scented materials are allowed to be brought in and used.
• No outside hand or cutting tools are allowed inside the Makerspace.
• Do not touch any equipment while in operation.
• Never open the case of an enclosed machine such as the 3D printers or laser cutter.
• Never leave a piece of equipment unattended while in use.
• Always power down equipment after use.
• Keep the floor clear of clutter, wires, and/or trip hazards.
• Never use any broken, misplaced, or damaged equipment or tools. Report broken or damaged equipment, or missing parts to ACS Makerspace staff immediately.
• Report all accidents, spills, injuries, or any unsafe or inappropriate behavior to ACS Makerspace staff immediately. Call 911 if needed.
• Know where the emergency exits, fire and safety equipment, and first aid kits are located.
• Maintain a safe environment by following all safety guidelines and following posted instructions.

Storage of Projects and Personal Items

The ACS Makerspace does not provide any short- or long-term storage space for projects and University Libraries is not responsible for any projects left in the Makerspace.

Additionally, University Libraries are not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen property patrons bring into the ACS Makerspace. There are lockers available outside of the Makerspace for patrons to store their belongings, including food and beverages.

Materials & Fees

University Libraries currently provides consumable materials, including 3D print filament, at no cost to ACS Makerspace patrons. This is a courtesy and is subject to change at any time. The availability of any materials at any time cannot be guaranteed. Patrons may need to supply their own consumable materials for certain project types to meet their needs. Makerspace staff will be available to approve outside materials brought into the space. For questions relating to outside materials use, please email arcreate@uark.edu.

In the case of 3D print, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and soldering projects, patrons may only use materials provided by University Libraries. No use of outside materials will be allowed.

University Libraries reserves the right to institute material allotment limits for patrons at any time.

Equipment & Equipment Reservations

All Makerspace equipment and tools are for use in the Makerspace and are not available for check out at this time.

Walk-ins are welcome but it is strongly encouraged (and in some cases required) patrons reserve the equipment that they want to use. Patrons can reserve one piece of equipment at a time for up to two hours a day. All reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons may be allowed to continue using a piece of equipment after their reservation has ended if there are no other bookings for the equipment.

If a patron submits a booking request for equipment that requires additional training before use, their booking request will be denied, and Makerspace staff will send a notification to the patron directing them to complete the required training.

3D Printing

All 3D printing projects must also abide by the ACS Makerspace’s 3D Printing Policy.

Vinyl Cutting, Laser Cutting & Soldering

Vinyl Cutting, laser cutting, and soldering are available by reservation only and require additional training before use.

Patrons may only use materials provided by University Libraries when using these pieces of equipment.

Cricut Maker and Inkjet Printer

A Cricut Maker 3 and inkjet printer are available and should only be used for Cricut projects. Use of the inkjet printer for any other printing is strictly prohibited.

Patrons wanting to complete Cricut projects should see Makerspace staff for access to the space’s laptop that must be used to connect to the Cricut and inkjet printer. Personal computers cannot be connected to the Cricut and inkjet printer.

Paper and vinyl materials as well as tools are provided for the Cricut. These materials may change as needed, at the discretion of University Libraries. Requests are welcome but may not be fulfilled due to cost.

Outside materials may be brought in for Cricut projects but may require review by staff before use.

Sewing

The ACS Makerspace does have a limited quantity of fabric, so patrons are encouraged to bring in their own fabric and any specific sewing notions they desire using for their projects.

An iron and ironing board, thread, cutting board, scissors, and sewing accessories are available to help patrons get started on their sewing projects.

Arts and Crafts

A variety of art and crafting materials are available for use in the Makerspace. This includes knitting and crocheting supplies, jewelry beading, glue sticks and hot glue guns, cutting implements, cross-stitch/needle point, construction paper, makers, popsicle sticks, and so much more!

To ensure the space remains complaint with health and safety rules, no outside paints, including spray paint, glue, or other materials that may cause damage and pose hazards to other patrons are allowed in the Makerspace.

We’re Here to Help

Have questions? Want to learn more? Patrons can stop in any time during open hours or contact ACS staff at arcreate@uark.edu.