Libraries of Things – New Ways of Exchange
Libraries of Things: Creating a Real “Sharing Economy” for the Digital Age
As books become more readily available online, many libraries are having to rethink what to fill their (shelf)space with. Tool and seed libraries are just one option. In tool libraries, tools can be used on location or borrowed if needed. The funding for the tool libraries comes from cities, states, charities and individual donors. So, to link with this week’s theme of charities, this article proposes another target destination for gifts and donations. Tool libraries help people who cannot afford their own tools or do not have sufficient storage for them.
The article also introduces seed libraries where you are free to choose seeds from any plant, with the expectation to return seeds from a successful grow. There is an expectation of reciprocity. This ensures the continuation of the library.
Libraries of things do not only encourage exchange and sharing economies, they enhance the social biography of things and inspire a reduction of commodities in circulation.
Contributed by KiahRutz on 15/01/2018
One response to “Libraries of Things – New Ways of Exchange”
Hi Kiah,
What an interesting post! It made me think that it would be great if we had a tool library close to my home in London because we have to pay someone (expensive!) every time we have a painting or something to hang up. A google search led to the link below; a library of things in South London and their favorite item is a carpet cleaner.
https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/
People are still charged a bit though (£9) and it is not really explained why; maintenance costs perhaps? The example from the US seems to be a completely free sharing economy although backed by non-profit organizations.