Establishing a tech tool library with instructional resources at an academic institution

Abstract

The Marston Science Library (MSL) at the University of Florida (UF) has compiled a diverse tool library equipped with tech tools and hand tools for check-out to any UF student and use at either the library or outside locations. The objective of this collection is to foster a sense of self sufficiency and sustainability among its primary users, science and engineering students. The intent is to cultivate an active learning environment and a new community of practice within the library through access to tools. As a trial of this new service, MSL made the following tools available for a 1-week check-out: computer repair kits, multimeters, precision screwdriver sets, soldering kits, digital calipers, laser levels, Dremel rotary tool kits, hand drills and bits, and homeowner tool kits. The tools are housed in rolling tools carts and are cataloged for check-out at the library service desk. Promotion for the new tool library included in-library displays, featuring on the library's homepage, printed book marks, and articles in the university newspaper. LibGuides were developed to provide instructions, safety protocols, and links to how-to videos and other instructional online resources and hands-on demonstrations were offered throughout the semester. A preliminary assessment of tool check-outs was conducted, the results of which identified the strengths of the tool-library forum, as well as opportunities for improvement. This paper accompanies a poster presented at the 2019 American Society for Engineering Education conference in Tampa, Florida and provides a discussion of the one-semester trial of the tool library at UF.