Frequently Asked Questions

In order to use and reserve RMP Studio spaces and equipment, RMP Studio users must be 13 years of age or older and have a current, valid Norfolk Public Library card. Patrons under 13 (& above 8 ) may use the RMP Studio if accompanied (at all times) by a parent, guardian or adult caregiver aged 18 or older. The accompanying adult must have a valid Norfolk Public Library card.

Food and drink are not allowed in the RMP Studio.  

All bags and any personal materials not pertaining to Studio projects must be checked in the lockers provided before beginning any activity in the RMP Studio.

• Certain advanced equipment and software may require additional training and practical demonstration by the staff. 
• Users of Recording, Photo/Video, Sewing, Laser cutting and Engraving, and Material Cutting Studios must schedule and complete an orientation on equipment and policies prior to first use.  
• Staff is available for assistance with troubleshooting, program startup and setup of equipment. 
• Staff cannot assist with extensive artistic consultations, graphic design, recording or editing or other lengthy requests.  
• The Studio does not provide one-on-one production or recording assistance.  
• The Studio Manager may, at their own discretion, assist with certain projects. 

RMP Studio computers are reserved for patrons working on digital media, crafting, coding or 3D printing projects. Internet browsing or email usage is not allowed unless related to the project being worked on, including researching software usage and troubleshooting.

The RMP Studio may not be used to distribute or sell goods or services.  

The Library and its staff are not liable for any loss, damage or expense sustained by any user due to the utilization of services, equipment, software, advice or information.  

Patrons who have not arrived within thirty minutes of the scheduled start time will be considered no-shows and the reservation will be removed.  

Patrons who arrive late will not have sessions extended.

Failure to provide 24 hours’ notice of a cancellation may be grounds for suspension of RMP Studio privileges.  

RMP Studio spaces may not be left unattended while reserved and in use. If the responsible cardholder leaves a reserved space unattended without notifying Studio staff (even if others are present in their group), the reservation will be immediately forfeited and future reservations may be denied.  
 
Once a Studio space has been vacated for more than 30 minutes, the Library reserves the right to remove the user's belongings without assuming responsibility or liability thereof and to reassign the room to an available status.  

Equipment, including but not limited to software, instruments and cameras, is available for checkout for use only in the RMP Studio unless otherwise noted.  

Patrons must save all work and begin check-in procedures 1 hour before the end of a session. Staff is not required to provide time warnings. Additional time in the Studios or on computers will not be provided because a media project is rendering, saving or is in the process of finalizing. As such, computers will be logged out if another patron is waiting.  

Patrons are responsible for returning all equipment directly to RMP Studio staff on time and in good condition.  

Items will be checked in after a thorough inspection for condition. Patrons are required to be present during this inspection.

Availability of equipment is not guaranteed, and reservations are encouraged. Availability is contingent on patrons returning equipment in a timely manner.  

Due to the creative and collaborative nature of the RMP Studio, there is no guarantee of a silent atmosphere. All RMP Studio visitors are asked to be respectful of each other and of the Library's Code of Conduct regarding noise.  

Users must shut doors to the Recording Studio when in use.  
 
If sound can be heard outside the RMP Studio space in the library, users will be asked to lower the volume or vacate the Studio.  

Only NPL staff can add, remove or modify any library-owned equipment including but not limited to cables, keyboards, mice, speakers, instruments, software, racks, wiring etc.  

Users are not permitted to install or uninstall any software.  

RMP Studio-created content must conform to acceptable community and legal standards.  

RMP Studio staff will not convert media or finalize projects in the absence of the content owner. RMP Studio patrons must be present at all times while projects are digitizing, saving and/or rendering.  

Patrons are required to use personal external storage such as flash drives and/or cloud-based options to back-up projects. RMP Studio visitors may connect personal devices to RMP Studio equipment. However, support for such equipment may not be available. 

For security and privacy, the Library reserves the right to erase user files left on Library-owned hard drives or flash drives without prior notice.  

Compatibility of personal devices with RMP Studio hardware and software is not guaranteed.  

NPL staff is not responsible for patrons’ or work product.  

The Studio Manager reserves the right to suspend RMP Studio privileges or remove any patron or group that violates RMP Studio or NPL policies.  

NPL staff must have free access to RMP Studio production spaces at all times.  

The Library retains the right to monitor all activity conducted on Library premises for the purpose of ensuring compliance with Library policies and procedures.  

NPL staff may disconnect personal devices which interfere with the operation of Library equipment or ability of other users to complete projects.  

All RMP Studio computers, rooms, Studios and equipment may be reserved by NPL staff for training, programs or maintenance.