Skip to main content

Maker Lab Use policy

The Mudd Library offers mediated 3D printing and 3D scanning services to current Northwestern University students, faculty, and staff. A consultation with library staff is required before a print or scanning job is accepted. Please complete this form to schedule an appointment.

Printing and scanning are done on a first-come, first-served basis with priority for students completing course work. During the consultation, an estimate of turnaround time will be provided within the context of workload across the service.


Terms of Use and Copyright


The library’s 3D printers and scanners must be used for lawful purposes. Users must abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws as well as University and Library policies while respecting the University community.
It is not permitted to use library 3D printers to create material which is:
  • Prohibited by local, state or federal law;
  • Prohibited by University and Library policies;
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or considered by library staff to pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others;
  • Considered by library staff to be obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment;
  • In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection;
  • Intended to be sold or create profit. 

There is currently no charge for 3D scanning, 3D printing, or the filament used for printing. The filament is supplied by the library.

Any output of a print job not picked up in 14 days becomes the property of University Library and will be disposed of accordingly.


Last reviewed: February 2024