Hi Devin, This is an interesting question. As I understand the general issue, the current question is whether the code that would allow 3D printing should be made freely available over the Internet. The outcome of that decision will determine how easy it will be for anyone to get the basic computer instructions to print a 3D gun without having to write the code from scratch. I'm sure the instructions are already out there in the dark corners of the Internet. Thinking about your question, would a library allow any visitor to print any other weapon, say a 3D knife? What about printing 3D drug paraphernalia or 3D sex toys? Local library use policies could be structured in a way that could prevent 3D printing of all weapons and a variety of other items through the use of library technology. For instance, a library might specify a policy that limits the use of a library 3D printer to pre-installed objects. A library could maintain control over the use of the machine and evaluate objects added for public use. It has been a common computer use policy to prohibit loading unauthorized software in order to maintain the integrity of library equipment. It is also common that library behavior policies prohibit possession of weapons, drugs and material harmful to minors on library property. The 3D gun case is huge, but if the plans are released and widely available it does not necessarily lead to a library being required to provide the means for any person to implement those plans on demand. Just my 2¢. Paul McCann Paul McCann Dexter District Library Library Director 3255 Alpine St. Phone: 734-426-4477 Dexter, MI 48130 Fax: 734-426-1217 www.dexter.lib.mi.us On 8/2/2018 10:46 AM, Devin Erlandson via Michlib-l wrote:
Some food for thought: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/08/01/are-they-deadly-are-they-free-speech-explaining-3-d-printed-guns/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.2d42a844f50e
We're mostly well-aware that in Michigan we cannot create policies that ban guns from our libraries. Can we ban guns from being 3D printed? I'm not 100% sure the answer is so cut-and-dried.
Is this something that's on your radar?
-- Devin Erlandson, MLIS (she/her) Assistant Director Allegan District Library 269-673-4625 alleganlibrary.org <http://alleganlibrary.org/>
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