Creative Lab Policy

(Approved by the Library Board June 17, 2024)

The OCI Creative Lab, located in the Unity Teen space, provides access to equipment and resources intended to provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences. The Creative Lab is a dedicated space for the exploration of a wide variety of cutting-edge and traditional equipment and tools creating opportunities for discovery and self-directed learning, as well as classes and programs for guided exploration.

The Library’s Creative Lab may be used only for lawful purposes. Examples of specific content that the public is prohibited from using the equipment to create or produce material includes, but is not limited to:

1. Content prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
2. Content that may be construed as unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others (such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer).
3. Content that may be obscene, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.
4. Content that may infringe on another’s intellectual property rights. The patron will be responsible for compliance with all intellectual property laws, including patent, trade dress, trademark, and copyright laws. Responsibility for possible copyright or any other intellectual property infringement lies solely with the user and the Library disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting therefrom. 

Creative Lab users must comply with the Library’s Computer Use Policy and Code of Conduct and Creative Lab Guidelines.

Computers in the Creative Lab are to be used for programming, digital content creation, and creative work only. Patrons must save their files on an external storage device.

Select equipment may require in-house competency training prior to independent use. Use of select equipment and tools may require staff assistance to operate. Staff may assist with safety, troubleshooting, and file preparation, and design or equipment roadblocks but cannot be assistants; each person is responsible for the execution of their own project.

Patrons use the Creative Lab at their own discretion, follow all safety guidelines and exercise caution with all equipment. The Library is not responsible for any injuries caused by improper use of equipment, for any loss of digital data, property damage or other damage to materials provided by users or caused by objects or materials, manufacturing defects, issues with quality of workmanship, flaws or failures in materials associated with the use of the Creative Lab’s tools or equipment. 

Patrons agree to indemnify and hold harmless the St. Louis County Library, its employees and agents from any claim, demand, liability, cause of action, suit, judgment or expense (including attorney's fees) arising out of any use of the Library's Creative Lab equipment, software, or materials. 

The Library may place limitations on time and manner of Creative Lab use in order to allocate access as equitably as possible.  Library programs and services take precedence over all other uses of equipment and materials.