Library of Things
Library of Things Collection Development and Circulation Policy
Guiding Principles
The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items that complement the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library’s (NJWTPL) mission of providing traditional and innovative library resources, programs and services for the North Judson and Wayne Township community. Patrons who borrow from the Library of Things agree to abide by the lending guidelines below.
Examples of Types of Things included in collection
Audiovisual Equipment: tablets, projector, etc.
Science and Technology Kits: telescope, building blocks, etc.
Recreational Items: board games, outdoor games, etc.
Cooking Items: baking pans, small appliances, etc.
The Library of Things is not intended to be comprehensive, and the library is limited by a finite amount of storage space for these items. For a full list of items available, visit the library website or library catalog.
Procurement of Materials
The Library of Things collection is developed and managed to meet the cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs of library patrons of all ages in the North Judson/ Wayne Township area. The library’s professional staff will select materials based on the needs of library patrons. The library welcomes input from the community concerning the collection. All suggestions for purchase are evaluated using the same selection criteria as for other materials and are not automatically added to the collection.
Due to limited storage space and the staff time necessary to evaluate, test, and maintain each Thing, the library can accept only a limited number of donations. The library does not accept materials that are not outright gifts and cannot guarantee the permanence of a gift in the collection. Materials donated to the library are received with the understanding that they are subject to the same selection, evaluation, and disposal criteria as material acquired for purchase.
Not all library materials may be suitable for all members of the community. Responsibility for a child’s use of library materials, regardless of format or content, lies with the parent or guardian, not with the library. Due to the nature of the items contained in the Library of Things, these items will not be eligible for Interlibrary Loan to other libraries. All library patrons are required to check out and return Library of Things items to a staff member at the main desk at the NJWTPL.
Evaluation of Collection
The library will use circulation data and community suggestions to guide future selections for the Library of Things collection. Items that are not popular and do not circulate will be withdrawn from library collections according to the De-acquisition portion of the Collection Development Policy.
Library’s Use of Things
The library reserves the right to take a Thing out of circulation temporarily to use for library purposes (workshops, demonstrations, or other programs) or to repair a damaged item.
Library of Things Guidelines for Borrowing and Use
Objects lent by the library through its Library of Things program must be checked out from and returned to the main desk of the NJWTPL. They may NOT be returned in the drop box.
Loan Periods
Library of Things items can be checked out for one week periods and can be renewed one time. An item will not be renewed if another patron has placed a hold on it. Some items may be for use in the library only or may have other restrictions. The library does not charge fines, however a library card may be blocked immediately if a Thing becomes overdue.
Use and Liability
Use care when handling the Thing. The borrower is solely responsible for the Thing and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss of Things and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse. The Library has sole discretion in making these decisions. A list of replacement costs of Things is maintained by the Library and is available upon request. A list of replacement costs will also typically be provided in the case for each Thing.
The Library of Things Lending Agreement is available online and upon request. Patrons must be at least 18 years of age and will be asked to sign a Waiver and Indemnification Form before checking out any items.
The NJWTPL is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur from use of a Thing. The responsibility to protect against loss is the borrower’s. Library staff will inspect Things prior to borrowing and again upon return. Things should be returned in the same condition as when borrowed. Kitchen items and other things that have gotten dirty while borrowed should be cleaned before being returned. Patrons returning items that need to be cleaned will be assessed a $5.00 cleaning fee.
Return the Thing with all parts and components in the original library container to the main desk of the Library. Patrons will be responsible for any damage to a Thing while in their possession.
The borrower accepts full responsibility for the Thing while it is checked out to them.
The borrower agrees to abide by all lending guidelines.
The borrower agrees to accept full financial liability for the Thing and accessories while it is checked out to them.
The borrower agrees to return the Thing to the staff member working at the main desk of the NJWTPL.
The borrower agrees that failure to comply with any of these rules and guidelines may result in the loss of borrowing privileges.
Violations may result in loss of access to the library collection. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
Director reserves the right to remove borrowing privileges for whatever reason he/she sees fit.
Approved May, 11,2022