Tool library: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:17, 8 March 2024

Revision as of 13:26, 5 October 2024

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[[File:Oakland Tool Lending Library 2.jpg|thumb|Tools available for borrowing at the Oakland Tool Lending Library in Oakland, California, United States]]

A '''tool library''' or '''shared workshop''' is an example of a [[library of things]]. Tool libraries allow patrons to check out or borrow tools, equipment and "how-to" instructional materials, functioning either as a rental shop, with a charge for borrowing the tools, or more commonly free of charge as a form of [[The commons|community sharing]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.monitorsaintpaul.com/st-paul-tool-library-soon-to-open-in-midway/|title=St. Paul Tool Library soon to open in Midway|last=O'Loughlin|first=Margie|date=September 5, 2016|newspaper=[[Midway-Como-North End Monitor|Midway Como Monitor]]|issue=3|volume=42|page=1}}</ref> A tool library performs the following main tasks:

*Lending: all kinds of tools for use in volunteer projects, facility maintenance and improvement projects, community improvement events, and special events.

*Advocacy: for the complete and timely return of all borrowed tools, to guarantee the long-term sustainability of available inventory. Staff also seeks compensation for lost tools and tools returned late.