Abstract

EDITOR'S SUMMARY3D printing enables physical objects to be constructed from a virtual 3D model with the aid of a computer‐aided design (CAD) program. The CAD files and printed physical product may be protected by copyright law, covering rights to reproduce and distribute copies of the work, make derivative works and publicly display or perform the work. Copyright does not cover useful articles or works in the public domain. Libraries could become entangled in copyright infringement directly or secondarily by providing the equipment that may be used to infringe on a copyright. Libraries can manage their risks by developing and implementing policies regarding 3D printer use, including using a mediated service model and being mindful of the “unsupervised copying” exception in the copyright law for libraries and archives. Patron education on 3D printing provides an opportunity to explain library policies on use and copyright issues.

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