View source for Ottawa Tool Library

{{Infobox library
| library_name        = Ottawa Tool Library 
| library_logo        = Ottawa Tool Library.png
| location            = 877A Boyd Ave [[Ottawa]], [[Ontario]]
| country             = [[Canada]]
| established         = 2014
| collection_size     = 301+
| members             = 200+
| director            = Bettina Vollmerhausen
| num_employees       = 1
| website             = [http://ottawatoollibrary.com Ottawa tool library]
}}

'''Ottawa Tool Library''' ('''OTL''') is a not for profit tool lending [[public library]] system based in [[Ottawa]], [[Ontario]], Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kitchissippi.com/ottawas-tool-library/ |title=Ottawa's first tool library is now under construction  |access-date=Apr 6, 2015   |publisher=kitchissippi.com  |year=2015}}</ref> Tool libraries lend 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ottawacommunitynews.com |title=Handy tool library open for borrowing |publisher=Ottawa Community News  |year=2015  }}</ref> The OTL offers annual, short-term, group and gift memberships.  See the website for current rates.<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://westendwell.ca/news/great-new-community-resource-ottawa-tool-library  |title=Great new community resource: Ottawa Tool Library - West  |access-date=Dec 11, 2014  |publisher=westendwell.ca  |year=2014  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318010820/http://westendwell.ca/news/great-new-community-resource-ottawa-tool-library  |archive-date=March 18, 2015  |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

==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 Frederic Sune.
<ref name="ottawatoollibrary">{{cite web|url=http://ottawatoollibrary.com/team/|publisher=ottawatoollibrary.com|title=Our Core Team &#124; Ottawa Tool Library |access-date=Apr 26, 2017}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/life/homes/house-works-ottawa-tool-library-founders-offer-inspiration |title=House Works: Ottawa Tool Library Founders Offer Inspiration |access-date=Nov 4, 2015 |publisher=ottawacitizen.com  |year= 2015 }}</ref> The OTL opened at 250 City Centre, in 2014, and moved to 877A Boyed Ave. in 2021.

==Governance==
The OTL is governed by a Board which 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" <ref name="shareable">{{cite web|url=http://www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-start-a-tool-library|publisher=shareable.net|title=How to Start a Tool Library - Shareable|date=9 May 2012 |access-date=Apr 26, 2017}}</ref> 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 loans to Tool Library members and to automatically display tool availability online.<ref name="localtools">{{cite web|url=http://localtools.org/|publisher=localtools.org|title=Local Tools: Rental and Tool Library Software &#124; Asset Tracking|access-date=Apr 26, 2017}}</ref>
The library has  over 2,000 specialized tools to lend to members with all skill levels welcomed. The inventory of equipment includes automotive, bicycle, carpentry and woodworking, electrical and soldering, home maintenance, metalworking, plumbing, re-modelling, electronics, [[garden tools|garden]], [[kitchen tool|kitchen]], [[hand tools|hand]], air and [[power tools]], although no gas-powered tools.<ref name="myturn">{{cite web|url=https://ottawa.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse?max=15&offset=0|publisher=ottawa.myturn.com|title=Ottawa Tool Library: Inventory |access-date=Apr 26, 2017}}</ref> The OTL is seeking cash donations as well as donations of hand tools, power tools, garden tools and kitchen tools.<ref name="ottawatoollibrary2">{{cite web|url=http://ottawatoollibrary.com/donate/|publisher=ottawatoollibrary.com|title=Donate Tools. Donate Funds &#124; Ottawa Tool Library |access-date=Apr 26, 2017}}</ref>

===Training===
The Ottawa Tool Library offers workshops open both to Tool Library members and the public on tool related skills and projects. For example, in the Intro to Power Tools workshop, participants build a planter box; and similarly in other hands-on workshops.

==Mission==
[[File:Marquardt Design Overview Power Tool.jpg|thumb|Power Tools]]

===Tool library===
The Tool library performs the following main tasks:
*'''Tool Lending:''' to members for use in personal projects, community improvement events, and special events.<ref name="localtools2">{{cite web|url=http://localtools.org/features/|publisher=localtools.org|title=Tool Library Software &#124; Local Tools Features &#124; &#124; Start a Tool Library|access-date=Apr 26, 2017}}</ref>
*'''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 [[Planned maintenance|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.
*

==Location==

* Ottawa Tool Library is located at 877A  Boyd Ave., Ottawa. Tool donations can be borrowed from this location, and volunteers are welcomed  to help keep this community resource going in Ottawa. Volunteer opportunities include: assisting members, providing tool and equipment knowledge, instructing workshops and tool maintenance.  Contact [info@ottawatoollibrary].

==See also==
{{Portal|Ontario}}
*
*
*[[List of tool-lending libraries]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://ottawatoollibrary.com Ottawa tool library] - official site
{{Commons category|Ottawa Tool Library}}
{{Ottawa}}
{{coord missing|Ontario}}

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[[Category:2014 establishments in Ontario]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Ottawa]]
[[Category:Tool libraries]]
[[Category:Libraries in Ottawa]]