Library of Things Policy

Purpose and Scope

The Library of Things collection will provide opportunities for students to engage with each other, practice wellness, and develop important life skills. Often students do not have access to reliable transportation or adequate storage space, thus impeding their ability to succeed. The Chester Fritz Library (CFL) wants to bridge this gap for students who are coming from across the globe and from a wide range of backgrounds. Additionally, this collection may also reduce the annual waste created by students moving to and from college. 

CFL already has a collection of nontraditional library materials. The items purchased with the State Library grant expand on CFL’s already existing collection of nontraditional library items, such as games, the button maker, electrical engineering kits, etc. Items in this collection include but aren’t limited to wellness items, craft and hardware items, fidget toys, and bakeware.  

Circulation

Items will ordinarily circulate for one week, much like our current game collection.  Certain items might benefit from longer or shorter circulation periods; accordingly, the circulation periods are subject to review and change.  Items must be returned to a staffed CFL desk—not the book drops.  These items will not be available via ILL.  

Like with our other media, patrons are expected to return the materials in good, circulatable condition.  This may include certain basic maintenance procedures, such as washing cooking equipment and “re-bagging” game pieces.  Such requirements will be part of the instructions provided with the equipment. 

Location

Items which can be enjoyed in the library—as the games are currently—will ordinarily be held with the games on the third floor, and kits and items for other purposes will be on permanent reserve.  Items may have temporary locations for display or promotional purposes. 

Approved 2/15/2023 by the Collection Development Committee