Vancouver Tool Library
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Established | 2011 |
| Location | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Branches | 2 |
| Collection | |
| Size | 1725 |
| Access and use | |
| Population served | 2,615,060 (2012) [1] |
| Members | 500 |
| Other information | |
| Director | Brian Beaudry |
| Staff | 1 |
| Website | The Vancouver Tool Library |
Vancouver Tool Library (VTL) is Canada’s original tool lending public library system based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[2]
Tool libraries loan specialized tools for both experienced and inexperienced community members who are interested in home repair, maintenance, building projects, community projects, gardening and landscaping.[3]
The VTL is a Community Service Co-operative registered under the BC Co-operative Act.[4]
The VTL offers standard, Student/Low-Income option, and organizational memberships to non-profits and small businesses.[5]
The VTL is supported by The City of Vancouver; Mountain Equipment Co-op; The University of British Columbia Student Environment Centre ; Magnet Home Hardware on Commercial Drive; Norco Bikes; Dewalt ;Poco Building Supplies ; Midland Liquidators; The Society Promoting Environmental Conservation ; Tradeworks Training Society; Ten Thousand Villages; Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company and tool donors.
Contents
History[edit]
In 2011, the VTL was established.[6] The first branch was set up in 2011 at 3448 Commercial Street, Vancouver BC.[7]
Governance[edit]
The VTL is governed by a 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" [8] 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.[9] The library has 1724+ specialized tools from power drills and ladders to pressure washers and roto-tillers to loan to community members with all skill levels welcomed.[10] The inventory of equipment includes bike, carpentry and woodworking, electrical and soldering, home maintenance, ladders, measuring, metalworking, plumbing, remodelling, yard and garden. The types of equipment include: hand tools, power tools, propane & gas power tools, wheelbarrows & wagons.
Training[edit]
The Vancouver Tool Library offers affordable 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.
Branches[edit]
- Vancouver Tool Library, 3448 Commercial Street, Vancouver BC.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "(Code 3520) Census Profile. 2011 census.". Statistics Canada. 2012-02-08. Retrieved 2012-04-17.
- ^ "Handy But Bereft? Check Out The Vancouver Tool Library". Scout Magazine. 2012. Retrieved Apr 16, 2012.
- ^ "Share a juicer, your dog or a room in your home? How the sharing economy took off". CBC.ca. 2014. Retrieved Apr 18, 2014.
- ^ "Handy But Bereft? Check Out The Vancouver Tool Library". Scout Magazine. 2012. Retrieved Apr 16, 2012.
- ^ "SFU's Certificate in Community Economic Development takes aim". The Vancouver Observer. 2014. Retrieved Jul 11, 2014.
- ^ "Building a community of sharing". North Shore News. 2014. Retrieved Jan 13, 2014.
- ^ "From tools to backyards and driveways, Vancouver at forefront of sharing revolution". National Post. 2013. Retrieved Apr 10, 2013.
- ^ How to start a tool library
- ^ Local Tools
- ^ "Inventory". Vancouvertoollibrary.com. Retrieved 2015-04-10.
External links[edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vancouver Tool Library. |
