[Libs-Or] Loss rate for Library of Things?

[Kirsten Brodbeck-Kenney]

Our loss rate has been surprisingly low! We don't have a large Library of Things collection, but I would say that of the items that we have (hotspots, Tonie kits, fishing poles, board games, dice, and sundry other items), the only place we've seen a relatively high loss rate is the wifi hotspots. In the grand scheme of things this hasn't been too bad, because the hotspots themselves are not very expensive, and we're able to shut off data to the device and transfer the plan to a replacement device. I really thought we'd run into loss problems with board game pieces, but even that has been relatively minor! We're getting ready to start circulating some CD players and sewing machines, so we'll see how that goes.

[dwsquare2]


Kirsten Brodbeck-Kenney
(She/They)
Library Director
__

City of Lincoln City  |  Driftwood Public Library
801 SW Hwy 101  |  Ste 201  |  Lincoln City, OR
P: 541.996.1251
E: kbrodbeck-kenney at lincolncity.org<mailto:kbrodbeck-kenney at lincolncity.org>  | W: Driftwoodlib.org

From: Libs-Or <libs-or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> On Behalf Of Suzanne Harold via Libs-Or
Sent: Monday, December 30, 2024 4:15 PM
To: Arlene Weible via Libs-Or <libs-or at omls.oregon.gov>
Subject: [Libs-Or] Loss rate for Library of Things?


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Question for those libraries with robust collections of Library of Things:  What's the return rate like? Does it see a higher loss rate (or damage rate) than traditional library items that circulate?

The backstory: Our Friends group is drafting a grant application to purchase items for a new Library of Things collection. We've been late to jump on the LOT bandwagon b/c we've been "almost" ready for renovate for 11 years. We are now under constrution and will reopen in September, so it's time to start planning to buy stuff! The chair of the Friends group is excited about the project but concerned about theft. I said I'd reach out and ask if it's been a major issue for those of you who've been circulating LOT for a few years now.

Thanks in advance!

[cid:image001.jpg at 01DB5B7E.E714D270]

Temporary Location: 1512 Duane St
(kitty corner from the Blue Scorcher Bakery)

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