#LibraryOfThings - #OnlineToolkit

"A Library of Things (LoT) is a community hub for sharing all kinds of stuff. LoTs follow the traditional mechanics of a library while pushing the boundaries of what can be borrowed: tools, instruments, camping gear, toys, kitchen gadgets, and more! They build community while providing a low-cost, #EnvironmentallyFriendly way to meet our material needs.

"There are roughly 2,000 formally established LoTs worldwide, as well as countless informal ones. Modern LoTs have been in operation since 1978, but informal resource sharing has always been an essential part of the human experience. Many of the largest LoTs in the US started to lend tools, but they can contain whatever items the community of members needs that can be shared safely and effectively.

"#Shareable has supported the development of several LoTs over the past decade. Projects have included an official advisory role to the former mayor of Seoul, South Korea, as they developed a pilot program with 32 lending libraries in apartment buildings, an inspiration and advisory role on the creation of #LaBOM, a three-story community center and #SharingHub in Montreuil, France, and the incubation of the #USToolLibraryAlliance.

"In 2022, we began a multi-year international research project into the current state of LoTs. Following the public release of our findings, we hosted a year-long Library of Things #CoLab and Fellowship and published a free, comprehensive Library of Things Toolkit."

Learn more:
https://www.shareable.net/programs/library-of-things/

#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #BuildingCommunity #CircularEconomy
#SolarPunk #SharingEconomy #SharingResources #ToolLibraries #LibrariesOfThings

View Online: #LibraryOfThings – A Critical Component of #Libraries as Access Points to a #Local, #Resilient, and #SustainableFuture

16 March 2026

"The recording of #20 in #IFLA’s #Environment, #Sustainability and Libraries Section’s webinar series is now available below via YouTube and the slides are available on SlideShare.

Libraries lending beyond books exist all over the world but beyond that, libraries can be a disaster resource center, they can lend tools and items to try out before making an investment, they can offer events on how to #repair items—along with the tools required to do so. They serve as places where intergenerational groups connect over yard games and art activities. #LibrariesOfThings provide access to a wide range of items from gear for adventures to essential wellbeing tools. This webinar will share how to plug into this rapidly growing and increasingly connected system of Libraries of Things, both inside and outside the traditional library world, and discover how they can help you meet your goals.

About the Speaker:
#HazelOnsrud is a public librarian at #CurtisMemorialLibrary, who works on community programming and collection development, including an extensive library of things focused on the Sustainable Development Goals. She serves on the international Library of Things Mutual Aid Group, the Advisory Board of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative and the Steering Team of MECollab. She enjoys collaborating with good humans around the globe and was named a 2024 Library Journal Mover and Shaker and a 2025 New York Times Changemaker. Prior to her work as public librarian, Hazel co-founded the #MaineToolLibrary and spent a bunch of time learning from graceful teachers. In her free time, she likes to create things, eat molés and design #Gardens. "

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whdD0YRaKdU&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ifla.org%2F

Learn more:
https://www.ifla.org/news/view-online-library-of-things-a-critical-component-of-libraries-as-access-points-to-a-local-resilient-and-sustainable-future/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineLibraries #ReduceReuseRepair #LibrariesRule #ClimateAdaptation #BuildingCommunity #CircularEconomy #SolarPunk #Libraries #SharingEconomy #SharingResources

“#PatientEngagement is particularly important within the sphere of rare diseases”. Working with organisations like @EURORDIS can help you identify #PatientRepresentatives with required experience & skillset.

🔗 https://www.eurordis.org/patient-engagement-in-medicines-development/

#RareDiseaseDay #SharingResources
#SharingIsCaring

➡️ See also the short list of essential #Guidance we've compiled that can help you get started with your #PatientEngagement journey: https://medipace.com/2023/02/24/patient-engagement/

#RareDiseaseDay #PatientInvolvement #MediPaCe