Thank you all for an impressive turnout!
As was mentioned, this group started out as a cataloging session and has grown to include various topics and cautions when considering, implementing, and maintaining a Library of Things collection. This is an informal group – not a sub-committee or official in any capacity, so there will be no agenda, minutes or other formal protocol involved. Attendees are invited to jump in with questions and ideas.
I’ll try to provide a summary for the discussions because sometimes the record button works and sometimes it doesn’t and not all library staff is able to attend.
Please feel free to email me at lhauner@otld.org with any follow-up questions or discussion topics between meetings.
Catalogers, please submit images to John in 400 x 400 pixels.
Include the database ID number and the title or name of the item in the image.
The more images you can submit at one time, the better.
Jon will be uploading the images once or twice a month.
Jon will let us know what days/weeks of the month will be scheduled for image uploads.
Beth will be creating a Library of Things Sage web page. It will be a centralized location for all staff to access for cataloging, display, circulation and other LoT information. Stay tuned for the unveiling.
In the meantime, Sage has a ‘Library of Things Guidelines’ document on the Cataloging Resources page https://sagelib.org/wp-content/uploads/cataloging/SageLibraryofThingsGuidelines.docx
Please contact Beth if you have LoT items that need to be cataloged. She has created a repository sheet for mentors to assist libraries with bib records for these items.
Please reach out to a mentor with any questions concerning cataloging, circulation modifiers and other practices Sage has implemented for LoT collections. Mentors can be found here https://www.sagelib.org/staff/cataloging/
One continuing resource we also have access to is the WebJunction webinar Library of Things: The What, Why, and How of Lending Objects. The webinar page also includes an extensive list of links for addressing cataloging tweaks, displaying and discovering patron favorites, and storage dilemmas.
The variety of items our libraries are putting into circulation is impressive. From camping gear to bakeware to Tech-to-Go laptop kits, the possibilities are proving to be endless, but hot-spots seem to be one of the most popular (and hard to keep) items for circulation.
Libraries are exploring different grants, programs, and partnerships offered for obtaining Wi-Fi hotspots sufficient to match community needs, as well as being able to maintain an inventory. Additional ways to deter theft and encourage timely patron returns were discussed.
LEO could be one way for libraries as a group to access federal broadband/internet programs for rural communities.
Theft and loss are a big challenge with a(n) LoT collection. Age of patron account and checkout contracts with replacement costs listed are some of the tools libraries are using to lessen these occurrences.
Our next discussion will be on December 21 – Who’s going to have the pre-lit and decorated mini-holiday trees ready for circulation this year?