The purpose of the Library of Things is to provide diverse opportunities for learning and engagement and may include items like home and assistive devices, audiovisual equipment, science and technology, video and board games, musical instruments, sporting equipment, and learning toys.
Patrons who borrow a Thing agree to abide by the New Ulm Public Library’s Library of Things Lending Guidelines, Agreement and Informed Consent Form for Equipment.
Checkout procedure:
· A patron must present his/her library card at the Service Center and complete a Library of Things Lending Guidelines, Agreement and Informed Consent Form for Equipment at the time of checkout. Once a Thing is checked out to a patron, it becomes the responsibility of that patron.
· The patron is responsible for theft, loss, or damage. If there are technical difficulties, return the Thing immediately to the library.
· Never return a Thing in the book drop. The patron will be held responsible for damage to the Thing if it is returned in the book drop.
· The patron will be fined $5 per day that the Thing is returned late. The patron is responsible for full replacement cost if the Thing or any parts are lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise not returned.
Library of Things Lending Guidelines
Guidelines for Borrowing and Use
· Objects lent out by the library through its Library of Things program may only be checked out from the service desk.
· A valid New Ulm Public Library card with current address and no outstanding fines is required to borrow a Thing.
· Borrowers must be 18 years of age or older.
· Borrowers may check out one Thing at a time, with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis for like items for a whole family (e.g. snow shoes for more than one family member).
· Borrowers must read, understand, and sign this agreement before they check out a Thing.
Liability
· 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.
· A record of the replacement cost of Things is available in the library’s catalog and those costs are available upon request.
· The responsibility to protect against loss is the borrower’s.
Proper Care and Use
· As with any Thing, use care when handling.
· Return the Thing with all parts and components.