As Libraries of Things continue to grow in popularity across public libraries, staff can use the Michigan eLibrary eResources 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 from MeL includes two publications to help patrons better utilize a telescope to locate objects in the night sky. Astronomy includes the feature “Sky This Month.” Sky & Telescope includes the monthly feature “Observing [month year]” (example: “Observing August 2022”). 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 includes Why Do My Ears Pop? 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 includes McCall’s Quilting and Sew News. Libraries can provide links to these eResources or even a kit with instructions and supplies for a fun project such as a coin pouch.

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

To share with patrons, library staff members can set alerts 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. Contact [email protected] for help.