Ellison and ACCU-CUT Die Machines

Ellison and Accu-Cut produce dies that are used on machines made by either company to cut multiple shapes all at once. The dies cut about 5-7 layers of construction paper at one time in seconds. The machines and dies can be used to cut anything that can be cut by scissors—felt, leather, vinyl etc. Librarians use them to save time cutting shapes they need and the shapes are used as decorations, craft projects and nametags. Several libraries have purchased their own machine to make using the dies more convenient, although they may never actually buy their own dies.

SCLS has a small Ellison machine that cuts all but the extra large size dies. The small Ellison machine is available through SCLS Delivery and SCLS libraries can borrow the machine by sending an e-mail to storykits [at] sclsdelivery.info (this address). From January to June it circulates with the new dies purchased to support the summer theme to SCLS libraries that have requested this service. The rest of the year, the machine can be borrowed through Delivery. DeForest Public Library has generously also placed a small machine on LINK and lends it to libraries who place holds on it.

Specific libraries are designated as host sites and have agreed to let librarians come to their location to use the equipment. Many of the libraries that have their own machines will allow other libraries to come to their location and use their machine, even if they are not host sites. Please call ahead if you want to set up a time to use the equipment at another library.

At the beginning of each year, SCLS purchases new dies to support the Summer Library Program. After the new dies rotate to the libraries that want to use them, they are permanently placed with a host library. These libraries place the dies on LINK and lend them to any library that places a hold on them. (Marshfield is a host site, but not a LINK library, so it is necessary to call to reserve dies held there.) Instructions for cataloging dies are available here (pdf).

There is very little wear and tear on the equipment or dies. Host sites or libraries that have their own machines may encourage community groups to use the equipment. Generally, libraries can loan the dies and the die cutting machine to community groups, if the library chooses to be responsible for them. It is helpful if the public is not too aware of how to find generic items on LINK, so the library may want to show the groups a list of the dies and offer to place the holds for them. Libraries may want to let schools, day care centers, scouts and 4-H groups and church groups know about the dies and equipment and offer to help get the dies for them. Libraries should encourage community groups to use the dies and equipment in the library instead of removing these items from the building. Borrowing libraries are responsible for the Ellison and Accu-Cut dies and machines. Please see the web cast for placing holds on Dies in LINK (SCLS member libraries only).

To place holds on dies from Marshfield:

1. Send an email with your request to: ill [at] marshfieldlibrary.org.
2. Note the name of the die and the date by which you need the item.
3. Be sure to indicate your library's name and a contact name with your request.

These following libraries own machines. Those with stars (*) are host sites. Host sites allow other libraries to come to their library and use the equipment, facilitate access to the dies and cooperate with SCLS in housing the dies SCLS purchases.

Libraries that purchase Accu-Cut or Ellison dies are encouraged to contact Shawn Brommer after they have purchased new dies. SCLS posts a complete list of all the dies available in the system on the youth services web site.

ELLISON EQUIPMENT NOTE: ELLISON and ACCU-CUT machines and equipment can only be requested by public libraries. Some libraries choose to offer use of the equipment to schools, day care centers and other agencies, but the library is liable for damage and replacement costs and may recover these costs from the agency involved.