I think this should work. I presume by ‘tool’ you mean something physical and not something like a software application. You can even put barcode stickers on the tools and use a barcode scanner during checkout.
There is not really very much difference between a tool and a book since a book can itself be thought of as a tool (eg a ‘tool’ for learning or a ‘tool’ to have fun with).
Hi Robert,
Yeah I mean actual tools like hammers etc.
I thought it would work as what does it matter what the barcode is stuck on 🙂
My major concern is the library could be ‘built’ by users. The key to this project is having people be able to submit their own tools to the library for others to borrow. Is this part possible?
Ideally it would require a login, so once registered people can lend and borrow tools using the site as a portal.
James
It should be possible. The plugin is not designed to allow random users (patrons) to insert things into the collection database. One needs extra privs (eg role is ‘Librarian’ or ‘Senior Aid’). I would suggest (at least to start) having a *small* number of people with a role of ‘Senior Aid’ who would actually add items to the collection. It will likely require some training to add items to the collection. And that you devise a schema for the ‘call number’ identifing where tools are stored (such as codes for rooms, shelves, boxes, or bins, etc.) so that once a ‘hold’ has been placed on a tool, someone will be able to locate it, so it can be found and checked out.
Note: at our local library, it is possible to ‘borrow’ childrens toys, although the library has not bothered to enter such items into the electronic (computer) catalog. So your idea is not totally outside of ‘normal’ usage.
