KU Libraries launches Library of Things, offering games, tools and more for checkout

KU Libraries has launched a Library of Things, a new collection of non-book items that students, faculty and staff can borrow from the Anschutz Library Service Desk. 

The collection includes board and card games, crafting supplies, kitchen items, technology, console games, and dorm and home goods. A full list of available items is available on the KU Libraries Library of Things LibGuide. 

The collection grew out of a KU Libraries effort to build a shared-economy resource that supports affordability, leisure and self-directed learning, and creative collections. The User Community team, which is part of the libraries' Strategic Engagement Team (SET) process, began with a community needs assessment to gather input from the KU community before building the collection. 

“This collection is attempting to fill a need that provides items that bring joy and would help our patrons by saving them money," Head of Collections Strategy and Development Sara E. Morris said. “There are often things in life that we need, but we don't always need to own them — like a fancy bundt pan. What we have provided at this point is just a start — we hope to expand once we have a better understanding of what the KU community needs in this new library collection.” 

Items are loaned for seven days and cannot be renewed. Borrowers may check out as many items at a time as they like. Library of Things items may be returned only at the Anschutz Library Service Desk. They cannot be returned through any book drop or at any other library service desk. 

Anschutz Library Manager Morgan Smith, who will oversee the collection along with circulation desk staff, said the collection is comprised of non-traditional items that are intended to support and enhance student experiences at KU.  

“We have tech items that can support your class projects, crafting supplies that give you a no-cost way to try new hobbies, and games to help you connect with friends or unwind on your own time," Smith said. “It's all about providing you with the things you want or need with as little barriers as possible.” 

In addition to Morris and Smith, the members of the library’s User Community SET team include Matt Bristow, Christen Caton, MC Mack and Amalia Monroe-Gulick. The group will be monitoring item usage and evaluating new item requests submitted through the Library of Things “Suggest a Thing” form, and plans are in the works for physical storage space behind the Anschutz Circulation Desk to facilitate further growth of the collection.  

For more information, visit the Library of Things guide (guides.lib.ku.edu/LOT) or contact the Anschutz Library Service Desk.