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Library of Things

Text that says Library of Things and the text is surrounded by images of an umbrella, chess set, flashlight, sewing machine, puzzle pieces, deck of cards, screwdriver and wrench, pickleball set, tape measure, knitting needles and a ball of yarn, and gardening tools

Welcome to the website for the Library of Things at the James E. Walker Library!

The Library of Things (LoT) collection contains a variety of practical and fun items that may be borrowed by anyone in the MTSU community! Bored and need a game to play? Take your pick from among a selection of party games, board games, and card games. Is it raining and you left your umbrella at home? We've got you covered. Want to try sewing but you don't have a sewing machine? Prepare to discover your newest hobby.

This guide contains information regarding specific items in the LoT collection (including whether certain items are currently available to borrow), policies and forms related to the collection, a suggestion form if you have "Things" you would like to see added to the collection or if you want to provide feedback on the collection, and frequently asked questions about the collection. This guide also contains information about donating to the Library of Things or purchasing a Thing from our wishlist.

How it Works

  1. Take a look through the Library of Things (LoT) collection to see if there is a Thing you would like to borrow.
  2. If you spot a Thing you are interested in, click on the image or the "Check Availability" link beneath the picture of the Thing. This will take you to the catalog record for the Thing and it will display a message saying it is available or if it is checked out the status message will list the date it is due back.
  3. If the Thing is available, stop by the Circulation Desk on the 1st Floor of the Walker Library and let the Library employee working at the Desk know which Thing you would like to check out.
  4. If this is your first time borrowing a Thing from the LoT Collection, you will be asked to sign the LoT Borrower Agreement and you may be asked to confirm your contact information (e.g., mailing address, email address, etc.). Once you have signed the Borrower Agreement (or if you have a Borrower Agreement already on file), the Thing will then be checked out to you.
  5. Go use the Thing and have fun!
  6. Please return it to a Library employee at the Circulation Desk before or on the due date.

Get More Information About the Library of Things

Do you have questions about the Library of Things Collection? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information on who can borrow Things from the collection, how long a Thing may be borrowed, and other related questions. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to the following Library employees with any questions you have about the LoT:

  • Jordan Nielsen, Associate Professor & Head of Access Services, Email: Jordan.Nielsen@mtsu.edu
  • Wendy Jones, Access Services Coordinator, Email: Wendy.Jones@mtsu.edu