London Tool Library
| London Tool Library | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Location | London, Ontario, Canada |
| Address | 999 Collip Circle, Convergence Centre |
| Coordinates | 43°00′55″N 81°16′48″W / 43.01528°N 81.28000°W |
| Opened | 2015 |
| Website | |
| http://www.londontoollibrary.ca/ | |
London Tool Library (LTL) is a tool library based in London, Ontario, Canada.[1]
History[edit]
In 2015, the LTL was cofounded by Jim Hamell under UN London's belief in the sharing resource economy, as well as supporting local environmental initiatives.[2] The LTL held its first tool drive January 5 until March 1, 2015.[3] The LTL motto is "Our Toolbox is Your Toolbox".
Governance[edit]
The LTL is governed by UN London's Board composed of seven citizen members who are responsible for the strategic planning, financial stability, and oversight of staff and volunteers. The Tool Committee and New Space Committee are used on both a temporary and permanent basis to meet requirements of the organization.
Services[edit]
Collections[edit]
The tool library adapted Share Starter's free "Tool Library Starter Kit" [4] which includes start up guidelines, frequently asked questions, and sample documents. The library uses "Local Tools" from "myTurn.com, PBC", a web-based inventory management system to track tool library members and to automatically display the tool availability online. The LTL has 367+ specialized tools from power drills and ladders to pressure washers and roto-tillers to loan to community members with all skill levels welcomed.[5] The inventory of equipment includes automotive, bike, carpentry and woodworking, electrical and soldering, home maintenance, metalworking, plumbing, remodelling, and yard and garden. The types of equipment include: hand tools, and power tools.
Training[edit]
The LTL offers workshops open both to Tool Library members and the public on tool related skills and projects. In the Intro to Tools workshop, participants built a planter box; while in Routers 101, attendees created a cutting board.
Mission[edit]
Tool library[edit]
The Tool library performs the following main tasks:
- Tool Lending: all kinds for use in volunteer projects, facility maintenance and improvement projects, community improvement events, and special events.
- Tool Advocacy: for the complete and timely return of all borrowed tools, to guarantee the long-term sustainability of available inventory. Staff also seeks compensation for lost tools and tools returned late.
- Tool Maintenance: performing routine maintenance and repairs on all equipment to ensure good condition and to extend the lifespan of the inventory. This function is typically performed by volunteers and community service workers.
Makerspace[edit]
Makerspace are places where people perform the following main tasks:
- to learn about technology, crafts and other kinds of making;
- to share knowledge and skills with others; and
- to apply this knowledge and skill by creating things
References[edit]
- ^ "Donations sought for a tool library in London". The London Free Press. 2015. Retrieved Jan 20, 2015.
- ^ "London Tool Library looks for help in setting up shop". MuskokaRegion.com. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
- ^ "London Tool Library Tool Drive". londonfuse.ca. 2015. Retrieved Jan 12, 2015.
- ^ "How to Start a Tool Library". Shareable. 2012-05-09. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
- ^ "Inventory". Londontoollibrary.com. Retrieved 2015-04-13.
External links[edit]
- Official website
- UN London – official site