Page 14 - U4SSC Case study: Re-use of consumer goods and tools loaning, June 2020

wish list created according to the local community’s requirements and preferences, which includes,
but is not restricted to, tools, home appliances, board games and sports equipment.

One of their other main characteristics was the desire to enable the clients to enjoy an ‘Apple Store-
like’ experience at the Library of Things, whilst making it as practical as Argos (a British catalogue
retailer). The place was designed in this light, and in addition a lot of thought was put into finding the
ideal location in which to integrate the Library of Things into the local community. The Upper Norwood
Library, having worked in partnership with the Crystal Palace Transition Town, has welcomed the Library
of Things as part of its vibrant library hub. Therefore, people can now borrow books, as well as a wide
variety of practical items during their trip to the local library.

The membership programme to integrate the Library of Things is very straightforward:

i Join

All that is required to join the Library of Things is an email and a bank card. It then takes 30 seconds
to create an online account and to confirm your email.

Next, a membership plan is chosen even if it is a pay-as-you-go plan. The following three plans are
offered:

Pay-As-You-Go Plan for just £1 Simple Membership at £15 for a Concession Plan for those with low
3-month plan income or unwaged

ii Reserve

The item needed is chosen and the required date and time of use is selected. A payment by debit or
credit card needs to be made to confirm the reservation.

8 Case study: Re-use of consumer goods and tools loaning, June 2020