Library of Things
Wichita Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The Library of Things is a non-traditional collection offering equipment customers can borrow. It gives residents access to materials that might be too expensive or are needed for limited use. In the last year, the Library added anatomical models, telescopes and microscopes. This collection advances personal and family learning goals.
Challenge/Opportunity
The initial launch of the Library of Things was highly successful. Customers raved about the access to STEAM materials that retail for hundreds of dollars — amounts a lot of customers can't afford. Based on this feedback, staff decided to introduce several new STEAM materials to the collection to provide unique learning opportunities at home.
Key Elements of Innovation
The new products added give customers access to essential STEAM equipment to further enhance the Library's pillar of supporting lifelong learning. Anatomical models give nursing students and anyone interested in the human body the opportunity to dissect and learn, telescopes let families look to the stars without investing hundreds of dollars, Finch robots let children learn how to code and microscopes give customers to get up close with science.
Achieved Outcomes
While many of the materials are geared towards certain ages, we have found that all ages are taking advantage. Circulation numbers are steady with hold lists continuously growing. In fact, more telescopes were purchased to help reduce the hold list.
