LIBRARY OF THINGS H&S POLICY & PROCEDURES

1. INTRODUCTION: I’d Like To Borrow, Buckinghamshire’s Public Library, works to be

responsive to service user/s needs and interests. In recent years the notion of a sharing economy has inspired public libraries across the UK to develop nontraditional collections of items for community access. Both economic austerity and aspiration to a minimalist lifestyle bring individuals to question the need for personal ownership of items infrequently used. A public Library of Things (LoT) provides access to these items – or “Things” – similar to the way libraries have traditionally offered access to print and recorded materials.

2. DESCRIPTION:

Things are considered and acquired in a variety of areas:

Art & Craft

Kitchen

Party Supplies

Assistive Technology & Disability

Making Science

Health

Musical Instruments

Toys & Games

Home Improvement

Outdoor Recreation & Sports

Garden

3. BORROWING REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS:

3.1. Service users may borrow a Thing by registering and creating an account. The booking process for Things is completely online.

3.2. Things are intended for collection/delivery and domestic use only. Those who check out Things must abide by all requirements of the I’d Like To Borrow’s Borrowing Policy.

3.3. Things will be lent for between 1 day and 1 week, depending on the time that the service user has reserved the item for using the online system.

3.4. Volunteers will ensure that all parts and accessories are lent with and returned with Things and that the Thing works well before it leaves the on-site container. I’d Like To Borrow carries out PAT testing on electrical items.

3.5. All Things are borrowed from and returned directly to the I’d Like To Borrow. Service users MUST notify I’d Like To Borrow if there is any damage to or issue with a Thing that they borrowed, so that it can be made safe, repaired and removed from circulation to other service users.

3.6. Most Things (except for toys, arts and crafts, and sports equipment) are eligible for borrowing only by those 18 years or older due to safety concerns.

3.7. I’d Like To Borrow reserves the right to take a Thing out of circulation temporarily for repair or maintenance.

3.8. I’d Like To Borrow may limit the number of repeat loans of a specific Thing to one household in the interest of ensuring fair access for all service users.

4. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

4.1. Service users are expected to have prior knowledge of how to use a thing and will be responsible for using it in a safe, acceptable manner, including using appropriate safety equipment (goggles, gloves, helmet, etc)  

4.2. I’d Like To Borrow accepts no liability or responsibility for accidents or even deaths that arise from using borrowed items. Service users borrow and use Things at their own risk.

4.3. Things and their carrying cases or containers will be marked so that they can be identified as property of I’d Like To Borrow

4.4. The LoT Selector will retire Things from the LoT based on condition, lagging interest,

obsolescence, acquisition or intended acquisition of a newer Thing.

4.5. I’d Like To Borrow will periodically research which new Things it should acquire by asking residents, service users and other LoT’s.

4.6. Donations: When determining whether to accept the gift of a second-hand Thing from the public, I’d Like To Borrow will look at the condition, potential to lend and suitability for the scheme, before accepting it.

4.7. When on site at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, service users and volunteers must keep themselves safe and will adhere to the railway centre’s rules, regulations and policies around health and safety.

4.8. During events it is the responsibility of both Buckinghamshire Railway Centre and I’d Like To Borrow to risk assess the activity, attendees, and premises to ensure their safety. Both parties must hold public liability insurance and event insurance which covers the activities at hand. Event participants must be responsible for any children under 18 and ensure they keep them under their care and supervision.

5. LIABILITY

5.1. Not all Things are suitable or safe for all patrons. Responsibility for a child’s use of a Thing rests with the parent or guardian.

5.2. Service users borrowing Things will be required to register with the I’d Like To Borrow service and tick to say they agree to the Terms Of Use, which includes a waiver, waiving the library’s liability for injuries sustained while using the Thing.

I’D LIKE TO BORROW LIBRARY OF THINGS LENDING GUIDELINES AND AGREEMENT

Guidelines for Borrowing and Use

– A valid registration to the I’d Like To Borrow service user database and no outstanding unreturned items is required to borrow a Thing.

– Borrowers must be 18 years old or older.

– Borrowers must read, understand, and tick to accept the terms of use https://idliketoborrow.com/terms-of-use/ – they will be reminded of the policy before loaning the Thing

Time Limits and Availability

– A Thing may be borrowed for up to 1 week intervals and may be renewed if no other borrower has reserved the item.

Fines and Liability

– The overdue fine is £5 per day

– The borrower is solely responsible for the Thing and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss of Things and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse

– The responsibility to protect against loss is the borrower’s.

Proper Care and Use

– Use care when handling Things.

– Return the Thing in clean and good condition, with all parts and components.

THING LENDING AGREEMENT

By registering & borrowing a Thing, the borrower agrees:

– To abide by I’d Like To Borrow’s guidelines as stated above

– To pay an overdue fine as stated above if the Thing is returned late

– To pay full repair and/or replacement costs should the Thing be stolen, lost, not returned, or damaged.

Updated 1^st December 2023