[Michlib-l] Library of Things storage - responses
Jen Hassell
jen.hassell at baldwinlib.org
Tue Apr 11 11:20:27 EDT 2023
Thanks to everyone who reached out regarding the physical storage and
organization of their Library of Things collections. Below are the
responses I received for those interested.
Jen Hassell
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Adult Services Librarian
Baldwin Public Library
300 W. Merrill St.
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 554-4655
We use Christmas tree bags for our giant chess set. Most everything else
came with its own case. We store huge things under our emergency exit
stairs where they won't impede the exit. Smaller items are hung in bags on
a shelf. Items go out in their storage container.
∼
-
We have a mix of bins and bags and boxes-- since everything seems to
have a different shape (ukuleles to Home Science kits), we've been very
flexible.
-
Ukes have their carrying case and are checked out without the storage
container, virtually everything else the container goes with.
-
We're using several different sites in our building to store things
currently. Constricted by our space to smaller items.
-
We use a large display board in the main area for the library with a
card rack, featuring the items to check out-- patron can bring up a card or
just ask at circ desk.
∼
1. We purchased all of our storage containers on Amazon. We often would
purchase one, decide if we liked the quality and then buy more. The prices
can vary as can the quality but this allowed us to really look at the sizes
that we needed.
2. We use mostly soft sided containers for our kits. We do have a few hard
sided containers for items like the microscope that we are getting ready to
circulate- a soft sided container would be scary with that! We mainly use
clear storage items for our kid kits- because visuals are important for
them and not clear kits for adults (to help tell the difference but also
because some of our adult kits have more expensive items and sometimes we
have kits sitting out while we transport them between our two locations- it
keeps the temptation down!
3. All of our kits check out with the containers- most of them are bags
with straps. Our kids adventure kits are backpacks that the kids can wear
walking out of the library.
4. We have our kids kits sitting out- the kids need the visuals although it
is also difficult if the parent doesn't want the responsibility of taking
the kit home, kids also have a hard time walking away from them! Our adult
kits are too large and so we have 5x7 advertisement cards that include
pictures and what is in the kit. It instructs the patron to take the kit
to the desk to check the item out. If the card isn't there, the kit is
checked out.
5. We really haven't had any issues with containers for our kits- as long
as you can find good quality- they should last for a while anyway. I am
terrible with zippers so I always worry about the zippers breaking but so
far, we have two years in with adventure kits and a year with other kits
and no broken zippers, no ripped containers, really no issues with
containers at all!
∼
What brand or type or storage have you found the most durable and easy to
use?
-
For some items, we use large, heavy-duty duffel bags with wheels. For
example, we had a set of Christmas tree bags with wheels that held our
giant chess set. As you can imagine, because it was plastic, the corners
became quite worn and eventually began to tear. So far, the duffel bags are
working well and are easier for transport.
Do you prefer soft sided or hard sided containers? Or do you use both?
-
Some of our items are self-contained. A couple of examples: A speaker
system where the speakers lock together with a handle, a soft backpack for
a telescope, and soft carrying cases for the ukuleles. For a number of
items, our Business & Facilities manager will measure them and find a good
fit on Amazon--usually, some type of canvas bag with a handle or strap.
Do all of your things check out with the container? Or is the storage just
for shelving and the thing is removed and checked out separately, like a
charging cable for example?
-
For a lot of the smaller items, we use Janway bags, and the item checks
out in the bag. We include labeling that instructs the patron to return the
item in the bag.
Does your collection fit onto your existing library shelving? If not, what
do you use for displaying the collection?
-
Currently, the smaller items fit well on the shelving (pictured below);
however, the larger items are being stored under our stairwell. With our
upcoming renovation (scheduled to begin in September), we plan to have a
"storage tunnel" for the larger LoTs. For the larger items, the patron can
place them on hold via the catalog, and once we trap the hold, we send an
email notification with pick up instructions via our drive-thru. If the
item is on shelf (available), we have a laminated description card with a
barcode that they have to bring to the circulation desk for checkout. If
the patron cannot carry the item to their vehicle (i.e., the cornhole/bean
toss set, which is very heavy), we offer the drive-thru pick-up option (we
have a handcart for staff use).
Any cautionary tales of what to avoid?
-
We've lost 4 mobile hotspots (one returned sun/heat damaged) as well as
a Surface Pro laptop that checked out in January and has not returned.
-
Patrons will attempt to reserve lawn games at a certain time for a
special event. This is problematic because the lawn games are first come,
first serve and if someone returns a game early or keeps it out too long,
it rarely works out in the patron's favor.
A final note - the patrons (and staff) love being able to check out these
items. We have a couple summer outdoor events here at the library and we've
been able to bring the lawn games out for additional fun activities. The
families really enjoy them!
∼
We get creative with our containers for our Library of Things collection.
If the item offers a case or storage container we will purchase it at the
same time we purchase the item.
-
What brand or type or storage have you found the most durable and easy
to use? We don't have a specific brand we use.
-
Do you prefer soft sided or hard sided containers? Or do you use both? We
use both. Some heavy items are in roller cases. i.e sewing machine
-
Do all of your things check out with the container? Yes. Or is the
storage just for shelving and the thing is removed and checked out
separately, like a charging cable for example? No, the container stays
with the item. We put labels, barcodes, etc. on the containers and write
the barcode number on the items.
-
Does your collection fit onto your existing library shelving? Yes, but
poorly. It is almost a jigsaw puzzle putting things on the shelf. We
do put most of our Library of Things out on our public shelves. Some small
and expensive items are locked behind the Information Desk with a sign
letting patrons know where to ask for them. If not, what do you use for
displaying the collection? We have our items in our catalog with
pictures and there is a link to the list of items on our website. And we
are working on a three-ring binder with pictures of the items for browsing.
-
Any cautionary tales of what to avoid? I select sturdy basic or
entry-level items and I pay a little more for them. We needed another
metal detector and I was talked into a cheaper one and it didn't even last
a year before the plastic parts started to break off.
∼
What brand or type or storage have you found the most durable and easy to
use?
Sterilite boxes with latching lids have worked great for a lot of our
things.
Do you prefer soft sided or hard sided containers? Or do you use both?
We use both, it just depends on the thing. Our laptops are in soft laptop
bags from Amazon, as are our gaming consoles. We circulate our Ukulele in
the soft bag it came with. Only negative I can see with soft bags is odor.
Do all of your things check out with the container? Or is the storage just
for shelving and the thing is removed and checked out separately, like a
charging cable for example?
We check out the container as well. Helps keep things together. For
example, our Switch is in a case, but then there is also the dock for the
TV plus cords and an extra controller. We put it all in a medium sized
Sterilite box.
Does your collection fit onto your existing library shelving? If not, what
do you use for displaying the collection?
Yes and no. We have an empty shelf that we are able to put a lot on, but
some of the bigger items have a "dummy case" (an old DVD case with a
picture of the item). Patrons bring the dummy case to the desk and we pull
the item out of storage. I have also seen libraries use a peg board with
pictures and everything is in storage: (not my picture)
Any cautionary tales of what to avoid?
We have a lot of iPads and they're very popular, but man can they be a
headache!
Here is a list of our collection if you're interested:
https://sllib.org/beyond-books/
∼
-
What brand or type or storage have you found the most durable and easy
to use? We primarily use soft, velcro pouches used for book/media kits
in youth services departments. I believe those are ordered from DEMCO. We
also use these tote bags
<https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8ZP5QI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1>
from Amazon for larger items.
-
Do you prefer soft sided or hard sided containers? Or do you use both?
We use whatever does the job and fits the item! Games and puzzles circulate
in their original boxes. Then, there are things for which I have to find a
special container on Amazon. It's really trial and error. Tech Services
informs me if one of our regular velcro pouches or tote bags won't work.
Then, I buy something special.
-
Do all of your things check out with the container? Or is the storage
just for shelving and the thing is removed and checked out separately, like
a charging cable for example? All circulate with the container.
-
Does your collection fit onto your existing library shelving? If not,
what do you use for displaying the collection? Yes! We're fortunate that
our shelving has a hanging bar attachment. Smaller items are hung up, and
larger items lie flat on the shelves beneath.
-
Any cautionary tales of what to avoid? Avoid things that are difficult
to repair or come with a lot of parts. Know who will repair certain items.
Have a Library of Things policy. There are lots of examples online.
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