Hesburgh Libraries

Check out the new “Library of Things” collection

By Becky Malewitz | September 11, 2024

Check out the new “Library of Things” collection

From a bike repair kit to board games, the Hesburgh Libraries' Library of Things isn’t your typical library collection.

“The Library of Things follows a recent trend in libraries to check out items in addition to books. In our case, the 'things' take the form of handy tool and craft kits, as well as games and other fun activities,” Eli Randolph, coordinator, Circulation Services, said. “This collection was developed with the Notre Dame community in mind, and while many items were selected with students in mind, the collection is open to the entire Notre Dame community.”

The Hesburgh Libraries continuously works to develop its collections and services to fulfill the ongoing needs of the Notre Dame community while furthering its mission to cultivate curiosity and discovery and serve as a hub for intellectual life. The Library of Things collection is the latest extension of that effort.

“The Library of Things contains items that will assist scholars in their research pursuits, including standing desks, book stands, and an activity timer,” Abby Vande Walle, coordinator, Circulation Services, said. “More broadly, it can act as a stepping stone for students unfamiliar with an academic library’s services. Students who may not have experience utilizing a library for research help may instead come to the Hesburgh Library to check out a game or a bike repair kit. Getting students to the library is the first step in showing them all of the resources and opportunities that the library can provide.”     

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In addition to filling practical needs, the Library of Things Collection also addresses the leisure needs of students and researchers, something that Randolph says will overall aid their research and learning experience at Notre Dame. 

“One aspect of the library's vision is an emphasis on creating a community that cultivates human flourishing,” he said. “There has recently been an increased emphasis on 'play' as an important aspect of human flourishing. We often hear about work-life balance or the importance of self-care, but those are not always easy to find amid a busy semester. As a result, burnout is a danger — not just for students, but for staff and faculty as well.” 

“The leisure materials in the collection will allow students an opportunity to de-stress, reinforce positive socialization, and build community,” Vande Walle said. “The more practical items, like the tool and bike repair kit, will hopefully help support sustainability and cut costs for students since they can borrow, instead of purchase, these items.”

While the Library of Things collection is new, the Hesburgh Libraries has a long history of lending “things.” The Navari Family Center for Digital Scholarship’s equipment catalog has allowed patrons to borrow various tech items since 2014. Similarly, the Architecture Library features its own equipment catalog. The Circulation desk at the Hesburgh Library has also held a collection of cables, chargers, and umbrellas frequently used by students, faculty and staff. 

“Our patrons already know that we check out more than just books,” Randolph said. “Because of this, we get asked about all sorts of other items that people might need or want over the course of a school year. Those were some of the first items that made the list when we began brainstorming this new collection.”

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Items more likely to be used inside the library — such as book stands and study timer — have a shorter, one-day loan period. Most other items are available for a three-day checkout so that students can utilize them outside of the library space. 

In the future, Randolph and Vande Walle hope to expand the Library of Things by utilizing user feedback.

“Since our community was the impetus behind starting up this collection, we want it to guide the expansion of the Library of Things,” Randolph said. “We will be tracking the usage of these items to see how frequently they are checked out and whether we might want to add or duplicate items.”

To help gather that feedback, QR codes have been placed on every item currently in circulation. The codes link to a form that allows individuals who check out the items to share their experiences and make suggestions.

“Hopefully, we will get some great suggestions for new ‘Things!’” Vande Walle said.  

Items in the Library of Things are now available at the Hesburgh Library 1st Floor Circulation desk. For more information, visit the Library of Things catalog or contact Eli Randolph or Abby Vande Walle.


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Phone Number: (574) 631-6679