Report: An Arkansas Public Library System Begins Placing Restrictions on Use of 3D Printers
The news about the Pope County Public Library System in Arkansas is included in a report from St. Louis Public Radio about 3D printers in libraries.
The ALA has recommended guidelines for libraries to address concerns about safety, access and liability. But some local libraries have established rules on their own.
At the Pope County Library System in central Arkansas, new restrictions have been placed on its two printers. They include printing objects that are prohibited by law, or deemed obscene or otherwise inappropriate.
Adult and Teen Services Librarian Sherry Simpson says there were just too many unknowns.
“We want to inspire their interest in design and we want them to bring their creations to life. However, some creations probably don’t need to see life through the library,” she says.
Read the Complete Article/Listen to Audio Report
See Also: PCLS Passes 3-D Printer Policy (via The Courier, March 20, 2015)
See Also: California Assembly Bill AB-37 Aims for Posting 3D Printing Rules & Warnings in Libraries
See Also: ALA Publishes Report on Need to Develop Institutional Policies Regarding 3D Printing in Libraries (January 6, 2015)
Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Libraries, News, Public Libraries

About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.