Here are some answers to questions people often ask about the IPRC:

Can anyone become a member? How do I do join?

Yes, anyone can join the IPRC. All you need to do is come down to the IPRC and fill out a card. Membership is a sliding scale, $45-$100, and you can pay anywhere in that range (or more!) that you feel comfortable with. We ask new users to either go to an IPRC Orientation before joining, or shortly after joining, as it's a good time to get the full run down on rules and procedures. Orientation is the second Thursday of the month at 7 PM. It is free and you don't need to call ahead and register.

Can I use the letterpresses?

You need to be trained in the usage of our letterpress equipment first. We generally have an introductory letterpress workshop every 6-8 weeks, and this workshop is mandatory if you have never used a letterpress. Check the IPRC Calendar for the next one. Pre-registration is required. Be advised, this workshop fills extremely quickly, so register early. The workshop is a six-hour session on a weekend, and costs $60 for non-members or $30 for members.

After you take the workshop, you may make an appointment to use the equipment during open print hours. Our supervised open print hours are Mondays 5-8 PM and Thursdays 6-9 PM, and trained letterpress staff people will be on hand to help you out. After printing with supervision for a while we will grant you open access to the studio.

If you already are skilled in letterpress, you will need to get the okay of the Print Shop staff people before you use the equipment. Stop by during open print hours (see above) and talk to the print monitor on duty.

Can you publish my book for me?

No! The IPRC is here to help people self-publish their work, not to publish things for people. If you need help with specific things related to self-publishing, we would be glad to help. We also offer a variety of workshops; please see the IPRC Calendar for what is currently available.

Do you know publishers to whom I can submit my book?

No. Since the IPRC deals with self-publishing, we don't keep track of publishers contacts.

What computer programs do you have?

The IPRC computer center is an all-Macintosh lab. We have four stations, all of which operate in OS X and run the following software: Adobe CS (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, GoLive, Acrobat); Microsoft Office 2004; as well as basic internet browsing applications. Some machines also run Macromedia Studio MX (Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, and Freehand).

Computers have the ability to burn CDs or DVDs for storage, and there are also USB ports, floppy drives, and Zip drives for your own storage devices. There are two flatbed scanners, one film and slide scanner, and one large format black & white laser printer. All computers are connected to a file sever, so you can store in-progress projects at the IPRC. There is also a wireless network, so if you bring in your own laptop, you can print or access your files on the server that way.

Do you have screenprinting?

No. This is due to lack of space. Even the smallest screenprinting setups (press, drying racks, screen storage, cleanup area) require more space than the IPRC has. And frankly, screenprinting is a bit messy!

We do offer the use of our Gocco (pronounced "GO-KO") Screenprinting kit. The Gocco can print small postcards no larger than 4Óx6Ó. If you are interested in using the Gocco, please sign up for our Gocco Workshop (see IPRC calendar for the next one), or ask a staff person for help.

Do I have to become a member to use the library?

No. Everyone is free to come in and look at the library during open hours. And local residents are able to obtain an IPRC Library Card. This card allows you to take up to 10 items at a time for two weeks at a time. To apply, please bring in a valid photo ID with proof of address.

Can I bring food into the center?

Yes, as long as you:

• Be careful about food and beverage consumption, especially around the computers.
• Properly dispose of food
• Clean any dishes or silverware that you use.

The IPRC has a mini-fridge for items that need to remain cold and/or leftovers. If you leave anything in the fridge, please LABEL AND DATE your stuff. We also have a microwave that is available for use. Please clean it if your food makes a mess.

How much do photocopies cost?

For members, copies are 4¢ a side. If you are making double-sided copies, the cost is 8¢. For non-members, the costs are double (8¢ for single-sided copies, 16¢ for double).

Why are you closed so much on the weekend?

We strive to keep the IPRC open as much as possible at hours that are convenient for our users. We survey our general user base regularly, and our current hours reflect need/interest as much as possible. Please keep in mind that the majority of our staff are volunteers, and it is sometimes hard to keep the center open as much as we like. Right now we are open six days a week and have Sunday as our exclusive "teen only" day. More staff volunteers will mean more hours open. And more staff requires more volunteers. If you are interested in helping out, please stop in and fill out a volunteer application.

Can I store the projects I am working on at the IPRC??

Yes! We offer cubbyhole storage for people who are working on projects at the center. Please ask a staff person for the availability of a cubbyhole.

Can I get help making my zine at the IPRC??

Yes, because that's what we are all about! Feel free to ask our staff for help! If you are going to require either extensive or more specialized help, please set up an appointment with a staff person who will give you one-on-one help with your project. We also offer workshops on specific zine-related areas, such as Editing, Design, Printing, and Computer Programs. Check our IPRC Calendar for our current workshop offerings.

Can I bring my kids to the IPRC??

Yes! We love kids. And we love parent-child zine publishing combos even more. All ages are welcome at the IPRC; youth under 15 must be accompanied by an adult during general open hours, but are free to come to the Zine Canteen anytime (every Sunday from 12-5).

Do I need to reserve a time to use computers or other equipment??

You don't need to reserve time to use equipment at the IPRC, but it doesn't hurt. Computers can be signed up for in advance, for two-hour blocks. If you know you need to use a particular machine, let the staff person know when you are signing up for computer time.

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