Audio Recorders to Zucchini Seeds ─ Building a Library of Things

This inspiring exploration of the range of options for a "library of things" collection demonstrates what has been implemented successfully and offers practical insights regarding these nontraditional projects, from the development of concepts to the everyday realities of maintaining and circulating these collections.

• Documents the plan and launch phases of nontraditional collections that will help readers who are entertaining the idea of starting their own "things" project

• Explains how these collections support the mission of a library: supporting teaching, serving a unique population (such as small liberal arts colleges), and providing for a community need

• Spotlights some of the most frequently cited nontraditional collections, including the Tool Lending Library at Berkeley Public, the Library of Things at Sacramento Public, and the unique holdings of Alaska Resources Library and Information Services (ARLIS)

• Presents contributions from both public and academic librarians, representing libraries ranging from the small to the very large

Mark Robison is assistant professor of library services at Valparaiso University in Indiana.

Lindley Shedd is associate professor and media services coordinator at The University of Alabama Libraries, where she manages the unit that circulates multimedia production gear, such as camcorders, lighting, and audio gear.