Library of things



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Michigan eLibrary



Supporting Michigan Libraries - 08/04/2022

Add Value to Your Library of Things with MeL eResources

telescope under a dark and starry sky

As Libraries of Things continue to grow in popularity across public libraries, staff can use the Michigan eLibrary eResources [ [link removed] ] to support the use of objects they loan to their patrons. To consider how this might work, I visited with Bobbi Schoon, Director of the Three Rivers Public Library. Along with her staff, Schoon has been growing a Library of Things based on community interests and requests. We talked about how their Things are packaged and how community members might enjoy using them.

Many libraries provide telescopes for patron use. Science Reference Center [ [link removed] ] from MeL includes two publications to help patrons better utilize a telescope to locate objects in the night sky. "Astronomy" [ [link removed] ] includes the feature “Sky This Month [ [link removed] ].” "Sky & Telescope" [ [link removed] ] includes the monthly feature “Observing [month year]” (example: “Observing August 2022 [ [link removed] ]”). Providing QR codes to access these articles can help patrons enjoy your telescope more fully.

Libraries support student learning in many ways. Three Rivers recently purchased a model of an ear. The eBook Public Library Collection [ [link removed] ] includes "Why Do My Ears Pop?" [ [link removed] ] which describes the parts and functions of the ear to extend the usefulness of the model for educators and learners.

Other connections to Library of Things objects and MeL eResources include:

Sewing Machines: Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center [ [link removed] ] includes "McCall’s Quilting" [ [link removed] ] and "Sew News" [ [link removed] ]". "Libraries can provide links to these eResources or even a kit with instructions and supplies for a fun project such as a coin pouch [ [link removed] ].

Metal Detectors: The eBook Public Library Collection [ [link removed] ] includes "A Guide to Metal Detecting" [ [link removed] ] to help novices who want to learn more about finding metal objects. In addition, Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center [ [link removed] ] provides access to "Treasure Hunting" [ [link removed] ] and "American Digger" [ [link removed] ] with stories of metal detecting adventures.

To share with patrons, library staff members can set alerts [ [link removed] ] for content. When an article is published, library staff can create a QR code using the eResource permalink and attach it to the Thing or print a copy of pertinent articles and include them in an informational packet for the patron.

A Library of Things provides value to patrons. By connecting the MeL eResources to these objects, libraries can also save budget dollars and offer great opportunities for their patrons to get out of their comfort zone and try something new.

*If you are having any issues linking to items on this page, please explore the **MeL eResource Access Page.* [ [link removed] ]* Contact **[email protected]* <[email protected]>* for help.*



Brought to you by Laura Warren-Gross from the MeL Team

Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. 

Hey front line staff: The MeL Maven Badge is a 6-part Information Literacy and eResource adventure designed for you. Start earning your Badge today at MeL.org [ [link removed] ]!

Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs,  visit [link removed] [ [link removed] ], or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery [ [link removed] ]. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. 

MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. 

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