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Ottawa Tool Library

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Ottawa Tool Library
A library where you can borrow tools, lean new skills and meet new people.
LocationOttawa, Ontario, Canada
Established2014
Collection
Size501+
Access and use
Members200+
Other information
DirectorBettina Vollmerhausen
Employees1
WebsiteOttawa tool library

Ottawa Tool Library (OTL) is a tool lending public library system based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.[1] Tool libraries loan specialized tools for both experienced and inexperienced community members who are interested in home repair, maintenance, building projects, community projects, gardening and landscaping as well as cooking.[2] The OTL offers standard, group, individual and gift memberships.[3]

History

The Ottawa Tool Library (OTL) is a project of The Society for Social Ingenuity (SSI), a registered Canadian non-profit organization based in Ottawa. The OTL was cofounded by Bettina Vollmerhausen and Fred Sune. [4] The goal is to put tools in the hands of people who want them to do their projects. The mission is to engage and empower the community to participate in sharing resources by providing access to tools and skills for everybody. The OTL motto is Inspire Create Share.[5]

Governance

The OTL is governed by a Board who is responsible for the strategic planning, financial stability, and oversight of staff and volunteers.

Services

Collections

The tool library adapted Share Starter's free "Tool Library Starter Kit" [6] which includes start up guidelines, frequently asked questions, and sample documents. The library uses "Local Tools" from "myTurn.com, PBC", a web-based inventory management system to track tool library members and to automatically display the tool availability online.[7] The library has 701+ specialized tools from power drills and ladders to pressure washers and roto-tillers to loan to community members with all skill levels welcomed. The inventory of equipment includes automotive, bike, carpentry and woodworking, electrical and soldering, home maintenance, metalworking, plumbing, remodelling, sustainable living, and yard and garden. The types of equipment include: garden tools, kitchen tools, hand tools, and power tools. The OTL is seeking cash donations as well as: power tools, kitchen tools, juicers, hand tools, routers, shovels, and drills.

Training

The Ottawa Tool Library offers affordable workshops open both to Tool Library members and the public on tool related skills and projects. In the Intro to Tools workshop, participants built a planter box; while in Routers 101, attendees created a cutting board.

Mission

Power Tools

Tool library

The Tool library performs the following main tasks:

  • Tool Lending: all kinds for use in volunteer projects, facility maintenance and improvement projects, community improvement events, and special events.
  • Tool Advocacy: for the complete and timely return of all borrowed tools, to guarantee the long-term sustainability of available inventory. Staff also seeks compensation for lost tools and tools returned late.
  • Tool Maintenance: performing routine maintenance and repairs on all equipment to ensure good condition and to extend the lifespan of the inventory. This function is typically performed by volunteers and community service workers.

Makerspace

Makerspace are places where people perform the following main tasks:

  • to learn about technology, crafts and other kinds of making;
  • to share knowledge and skills with others; and
  • to apply this knowledge and skill by creating things.

Location

  • Ottawa Tool Library is currently looking for a permanent home. We're getting our tool donations ready to be borrowed and always look for volunteers who want to see this community resource in Ottawa. We have tool clean up and cataloguing weekends and many other volunteer opportunities. Contact [info@ottawatoollibrary].

See also

  • UOttawa Makerspace, University of Ottawa, Room B109D Colonel By building (CBY) 161 Louis Pasteur, Ottawa, Ontario [8] makerspace@uottawa.ca
  • Imagine Space Makerspace, Ottawa Public Library’s Nepean Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K2G 5K7 [9]


References

  1. ^ "Ottawa's first tool library is now under construction". kitchissippi.com. 2015. Retrieved Apr 6, 2015.
  2. ^ "Handy tool library open for borrowing". Ottawa Community News. 2015. Retrieved 2015. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  3. ^ "Great new community resource: Ottawa Tool Library - West". westendwell.ca. 2014. Retrieved Dec 11, 2014.
  4. ^ OTL team
  5. ^ "Handy tool library open for borrowing". ottawacitizen.com. 2015. Retrieved 2015. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ^ How to start a tool library
  7. ^ Local Tools
  8. ^ UOttawa Makerspace
  9. ^ Imagine Space Makerspace
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