Print

12 Best Technologies for Public Libraries clearly delineated process for patrons to petition the library’s administra- tion or board of trustees, if they feel their print job has been rejected in error. STAFF TRAINING Once you have your printer and policy, it’s time to move on to training your staff. When conducting training, it’s important to remember that not everyone needs to know everything! By deciding upon a division of labor, you can develop a curriculum that is more focused and therefore cost and time effective. While each organization will decide upon the best approach, below are some suggested categories for training. All Staff With a constantly expanding list of programs and services, it can often seem like a herculean task to keep your patrons abreast of them all. Con- sider how much more difficult this work becomes if a portion of your own staff is unaware of them. For that reason, all staff should be given a basic orientation on your printer(s). Such a curriculum should cover what equip- ment you have, a general description of how it works, and how it will be used at your library. Provide staff with any marketing materials you intend to use for the public. Finally, impart to them the basic 3D printer workflow, specific to your own organization, namely which staff will perform what particular functions in service to your 3D printer(s). Handlers Your handlers will be the frontline staff who will interact with your printer. Handlers should know the basics of your printer, as outlined above. Additionally, the handler should be trained in the normal operation of a printer. This means understanding how to turn the printer on and off, how to begin a print job, how to monitor the equipment for signs of trouble, and cancel an in-progress print if it becomes necessary. A handler should be able to engage in casual conversation about how the printer works and guide a patron to further resources. Further resources might take the form of upcoming library classes, library computers with software, or third- party referral information. If your library offers a 3D printing service for the public, a handler can instruct a patron on how to submit a print request.