Tool Share

Basics

• The local sharing of tools
• Can be as simple as letting a neighbor use a large ladder you have, or as complex as a central location with storage and inventory and in/out logs
• "Tool Library" may be a more marketable term for the centralized version
• App/website could then be called tool share (sounds similar to Skillshare etc)

OSE Work

Decentralized

• Find an existing OS tool and/or Rally people to make an app/website

Centralized

• Part of the OSEH concept
• Uses the above software and/or paper/computer logs to keep track of who's tools are used when and by who
• Works as follows:
  • An area is dedicated as the "hub" (essentially any community center, community garden, or makerspace
  • Ads/PSA's etc are sent out, and perhaps contacts to know makers/people with lots of "stuff"
  • People who want "in" make an account with:
    • Name
    • Contact Info
    • and Available "Stuff"
    • could also do optional anonymous id if they are into that)
  • People also do this if they are just checking out some equipment
  • People who donate are given an engraved/miled tag etc on the device itself, and some sort of brick/plaqe decoration on some "wall of donors" type thing
  • Then the system starts "working" essentially just like a library, but with tools and equipment instead of books; a few copies of each, loaned for free for a decent amount of time, late fees if hoarded

Internal Links

• Asheville Tool Library
• Car Sharing

External Links

• The Wikipedia Page on Tool Libraries (similar/identical concept, depending on implementation)
• An Article on How to Start a Local One