Maintaining a tribal library technology lab and makerspace requires careful attention to equipment upkeep, user safety, and alignment with tribal values and protocols. These guidelines will help ensure the space remains functional, safe, and culturally respectful for all community members.
1. Regular Equipment Maintenance and Inspections
- Daily Inspections: Designate staff to check equipment at the beginning and end of each day to ensure everything is clean, in working order, and free of visible wear or damage.
- Routine Maintenance Schedule: Create a maintenance log for each piece of equipment (e.g., 3D printers, computers, sewing machines), noting regular cleaning, updates, and inspections. Follow manufacturer guidelines for specific maintenance needs.
- Software Updates: Regularly update software on all devices to ensure optimal performance and security. Coordinate with the tribal IT department for network and software updates as needed.
2. Cleaning and Organization
- Daily Cleaning: Wipe down equipment, workstations, and communal tools with appropriate cleaning supplies after each use. Establish procedures to sanitize shared equipment, especially high-touch surfaces like keyboards and tablet screens.
- Supply Organization: Organize materials, such as 3D printer filament, crafting supplies, and electronic components, in clearly labeled containers. Store culturally sensitive materials separately with access restrictions if necessary.
- Safety Equipment Storage: Ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, and aprons are readily accessible and stored in a designated location. Inspect PPE for wear and replace as needed.
3. Equipment Usage and Safety Checks
- User Orientation: Require patrons to complete a safety orientation for each piece of equipment before independent use. Keep records of completed orientations and skill certifications, and update them annually.
- Equipment Usage Logs: Maintain usage logs for each machine, especially high-use equipment like 3D printers or laser cutters. Track who used the equipment, for how long, and any maintenance needs reported by users.
- Pre-Use Safety Checks: Encourage users to perform a quick safety check of equipment before each use, looking for any signs of wear, frayed cords, or unusual sounds. Report any issues immediately.
4. Security and Cybersecurity
- User Privacy: Educate patrons on logging out of accounts and clearing personal data from shared computers. Set up automatic log-off features on library computers to protect user privacy.
- Data Management: For digital archiving or language preservation projects, store sensitive cultural data securely with access controlled by staff and in accordance with tribal policies. Follow tribal IT protocols for data security.
- Regular Cybersecurity Updates: Work with tribal IT to ensure regular updates to firewalls, antivirus software, and other cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches or unauthorized access.
5. Inventory Management
- Supply Tracking: Maintain an inventory of consumables (e.g., printer paper, 3D filament, craft supplies) and reorder as needed. Keep a small buffer stock to avoid disruptions in service.
- Portable Equipment Check-Out: Track portable equipment like tablets, cameras, or audio recorders through a check-out system. Verify items are returned in good condition, and inspect them for damage after each use.
- Replacements and Upgrades: Create a budget and plan for replacing worn or outdated equipment. Ideally, set aside funds annually for new or upgraded equipment based on usage trends and community feedback.
7. Staff Training and Skill Development
- Ongoing Training: Regularly train staff on equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and cybersecurity best practices. Provide specific training on cultural respect and appropriate handling of tribal materials.
- Cross-Training for Continuity: Train multiple staff members on each piece of equipment to ensure continuous support and knowledge transfer. This minimizes disruptions if key staff are unavailable.
- Workshops and Skill Refreshers: Schedule regular workshops to keep staff up-to-date on equipment handling, maintenance procedures, and best practices for supporting patrons in the makerspace.