[Michlib-l] 3D Printed Guns?

[Paul McCann]

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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> Michlib-l at mcls.org
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