Circulation of Non-traditional Items
Submitted by bjohnson on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 13:57

Type of Pilot Project:
Public Service
Describe Project and Impact:
Offer non-traditional items for circulation to aid in achieving multiple goals
Project Description and Expected Outcomes:
Establish a policy/program of circulating non-traditional items. Given the number of pilot projects proposing non-traditional items (e.g. fishing poles, STEAM kits, seeds, hotspots, etc) the system could formalize those into a policy or program that circulates a range of items that would provide TeXperiences and other means to achieve the goal of making people smarter. In addition to some of the items mentioned we could offer technology to members who cannot afford it or who may want to experiment with technology before purchasing it. For example, we could loan a DJ controller so that members could experiment with making and mixing music. A turntable could introduce vinyl records to younger members who have never experienced them. Loaning a wifi hotspot along with a Roku stick loaded with a Netflix or Hulu account could allow members who don't have access to those services to stream shows and movies otherwise unavailable to them which allows them to participate in popular culture and is more efficient than buying multiple DVDs. Many of the items could also be tied directly to programs and education (e.g. go to a program to learn about the stars, take a telescope home with you).
Why should we select this project?:
Formalizing non-traditional circulation would provide guidance and direction for a non-traditional collection so that it stays on-point with Library Unbound, facilitates measurement, and improves efficiency.
Constraints, Limitations, or Dependencies:
At least one staff person would need to be dedicated to the program to inspect items, erase digital storage, etc when returned. If items don't come with durable storage, such would need to be acquired to reduce damage in transporting it. The program would need to be adjunct to an existing department (e.g. MSL?).
Source of Inspiration:
Several other Pilot Projects
Performance Indicators:
Market Penetration
Member Retention
Environment:
Library
Experience:
TeXperiences
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