The Concept of the "Library of Things" and Its Implementation in the 21st Century: From the Sharing Economy to a Social Hub

The concept of the "Library of Things" (LoT) represents an evolutionary leap in the development of library services, reincarnating the basic library principle of collective access to resources in the context of the challenges of the 21st century: hyperconsumption, ecological crisis, digital inequality, and social atomization. This is not just a new service, but a philosophical and practical alternative to the ownership model, transforming public libraries into centers of circular economy and social capital.

1. Philosophical and Economic Premises: Why "Things"?

The idea was born at the intersection of several global trends:

Sharing Economy: Following the success of short-term rental models for housing (Airbnb) and transportation (car sharing), it was logical to apply this logic to everyday demand items. Research shows that the average drill is used for only 12-15 minutes in a lifetime, while expensive kitchen appliances or festive decorations occupy space for 99% of the time.

Circular Economy: In contrast to the linear "extract-produce-dispose" model, LoT implements the principles of reuse, extending the life cycle of things, and reducing waste. This is a direct operationalization of the ecological agenda at the local level.

Social and Financial Inclusion: Access to specialized tools, camping equipment, or children's developmental toys for a symbolic fee (or free) reduces the financial barrier for hobbies, education, home repair, and quality leisure. This democratizes opportunities, especially for low-income groups, youth, and the elderly.

2. Implementation Models: From Library Branches to Independent Projects

LoT exist in various organizational formats:

Integration into public libraries (the most widespread model in Europe): For example, in the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia, many municipal libraries allocate areas for "object collections." This logically utilizes infrastructure (inventory system, space, community trust) and enhances traffic. The library once again becomes a universal resource center.

Independent non-profit organizations and cooperatives: A classic example is the "Library of Things" in London (established in 2016), which has become a benchmark. It operates as a social enterprise, accumulating things through crowdfunding and partnerships. Analogues include "Share Shed" in Devon (United Kingdom) — a mobile library of things on a van, serving rural areas.

Commercial or hybrid models: Some startups offer the rental of premium items (cameras, drones) online, but with physical pick-up points. However, the non-profit, public status is the most consistent with the spirit of the concept, minimizing the risks of commodification.

Interesting fact: One of the first documented "Library of Things" appeared in the United States, in the city of Gaylord (Michigan) in 1976 and was called "The Tool Lending Library." It was created by enthusiasts to help neighbors repair after a hurricane. This indicates that the roots of the concept lie in community mutual assistance, while modern technology and trends have only scaled it.

3. Assortment and Technological Support: What and How "Issues"?

The assortment is strategically formed around rarely used but socially significant categories:

Tools and equipment for repair (drills, sanders, ladders).

Equipment for events (projectors, coffee makers, tents, tables).

Sports and camping equipment (bicycles, snowboards, backpacks).

Kitchen appliances (bread makers, rice cookers, pasta makers).

Creative and educational sets (sewing machines, musical instruments, microscopes, robotics kits).

The technological backbone is specialized software for inventory, online booking, and membership management, often with open-source code. The most important element is the training system: instructions for use, master classes ("How to hang a shelf," "Basics of sewing"), which reduces the entry barrier and the risk of damaging things, transforming simple rental into an educational process.

4. Socio-Cultural Impact: More Than Just Things

The implementation of LoT generates many-layered positive consequences that go far beyond utilitarian rental:

Reducing the ecological footprint: According to research by Circle Economy, each item in an active library can replace the purchase of 20-30 such new items, reducing production, logistics, and final waste.

Community building: LoT become a point of convergence for like-minded people, a place for skill exchange (repair café), social connections. They restore social capital in an urbanized environment.

Development of new competencies among librarians: Staff become curators of resources, mentors, and community organizers, expanding their role from working with texts to working with people and material objects.

Example of successful implementation: The "Leila" project in Berlin (established in 2011) became a pioneer in Europe. In addition to issuing items, it actively conducts workshops on repair and upcycling, positioning itself as a "club for shared use," highlighting the value of community over transaction.

Scientific context: The concept of LoT finds support in the theory of "sufficient consumption" (sufficiency), which asserts that sustainable future depends not on technological wonders, but on a shift to a new culture of moderation, where access to the functions of a thing is more important than owning it as a status object. The Library of Things makes this theory tangible and practical.

Conclusion: The Library as a Platform for a Sustainable Lifestyle

The "Library of Things" is not a trend, but a natural response of the cultural institution to the challenges of the era. It returns the library to its ancient archetypal function of being a common home for community values, but fills it with new, relevant content. Along with books, which offer knowledge "in theory," things give the opportunity to apply these knowledge "in practice." Thus, LoT transforms the library from a passive storage facility into an active platform for a sustainable lifestyle, continuous learning, and strengthening local social ties. In this symbiosis of traditional mission of education and innovative consumption model, one of the most viable paths for the development of public spaces in the 21st century is seen. This is an evolution from the "library of knowledge" to the "library of opportunities."
© library.ug

Permanent link to this publication: