Tech to Go: Circulating Non-Traditional Items
There were three presenters in this program from Ohio and Illinois talking about their experience checking out non-traditional items in their libraries. The point motivating their decision to do so is based on libraries being Access Centric (books, Tech Centers, DVDs) an Experience Centric (storytimes), but why not do/be both.
What to circulate?
They suggest it be tied to your library's greater goals or strategic plan. In one case it was their desire to get girls more involved in STEM.
What is popular? Uh...circulate that!
Nothing that needs batteries! Or folding of massive instructions.
Nothing someone would buy for themselves for $20 somewhere.
Does it lead to learning? Hammers for adults? Not so much. But, for kids? Perhaps
Some items they check out (all packaged with related books or DVDs!):
STEM Kits (cardboard construction, dinosaur fossils), telescopes, Go Pros, green screens, photo equipment for your eBay or etsy shop, Lego Wedo, mobile hot spots, and Rokus.
Some of their circ parameters were: 1 week cko, no holds (too much demand), items should not cost more than $400.00, no visible passwords, and no passwords given out over the phone. They also suggested that "techier" items like the Go Pro or Roku check out from the Tech Center where there is more likely to be someone familiar with the equipment and troubleshooting. Signed user agreements are required and waivers from parents for larger items checked out to children.
Interestingly enough, upkeep and replacement of these "non-traditional items" was no greater than the loss we all experience with DVDs. And they made a good point to not treat these items different from, or any more important, than other items in your library.
Something I found interesting was a supposed ability for one to remotely turn off Chromebooks and display a message of "Return to the Library."
Another item of interest for perhaps the 2nd floor Early Learning section is Goldiblox. Studies have shown that girls learn best from narrative based play. If you combine that with science they will be better engaged. Goldiblox is toys for girls that are science based. I went to www.goldiblox.com just now and realized both my nieces got Goldiblox toys for Christmas. Gianna got a girl that builds and rides a zip line, and Gabriella got a girl that parachutes.
There was brief talk of what to call this collection beyond "non-traditional." There is already a "Library of Things." Personally, I like "Check "stuff" out."
Thanks for posting this Kristin! This is very interesting. I would love to pick your brain about this program when you get back. What types of containers did they use for these items? where did they store them? do they have a photo album? place o the catalog? fee or deposit? I am sure you have some great ideas if we wanted to implement something like this.
ReplyDeleteTheir Go-Pros are circulated in gun cases. They are sturdy and come with foam you cut to your own specs.
DeleteThe items are kept at Circ or Tech, depending on the items, and they are all searchable in the catalog, but additional advertising is KEY.
I agree - Thanks Kristin! I know a bunch of us have talked about circulating toys for some time (don't think we're quite ready for that just yet) so it's great to get as much info as we can to prepare us.
ReplyDeleteI would love to chat with you Wess about the goldiblox. Not sure if that's something Wess wants for 2nd floor, or something we could integrate as a theme into existing programming. Or both!
Darn, I just try to add my notes to Kristin's post and lost them. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteHere's the gist:
Market and promote- videos in MARC records, word of mouth
Have staff test, use, know items. Get buy in.
Create instructions for using. Laminate.
Train staff to troubleshoot common issues.
Inform staff of new items.
Add items continuously.
Does it lead to learning!!
The mobile hot spot company was:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mobilebeacon.org/who-we-help/who-we-help-libraries/