Collections & Metadata Services: Policies and Strategies

Library of Things Collection Development Policy 

Purpose: The Gumberg Library’s Library of Things supports the academic, personal, and holistic growth of the Duquesne University community by providing access to non-traditional items that enhance daily life. This unique collection nurtures the mind, body, and spirit by offering fun, practical, and enriching resources—items that users might otherwise forgo due to cost, space, or limited accessibility. By addressing needs beyond the classroom, the Library of Things empowers patrons to thrive both inside and outside the academic environment.  

Scope of Collection: The collection may include, but is not limited to:  

• Educational Items: Interview gear  
• Medical and Science Equipment:  Stethoscope and microscope   
• Creative Equipment: Musical instruments/devices, arts & crafting tools  
• Recreational Items: Party/event items, table-top & outdoor games  
• Electronic Equipment: Audio & video equipment and video games  
• Tools and Self-care Items: Cordless electric screwdriver & light therapy lamp  

This collection is curated to meet the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff, considering factors such as relevance, demand, storage capacity, cost, and ability to clean and maintain items.  

Selection Criteria:  

Items are selected based on:  

• Relevance: Alignment with academic programs and extracurricular interests.  
• Demand: Community interest and potential usage frequency.  
• Quality & Safety: Durability & safety for user engagement, and in compliance with University  

Safety policies and procedures: 

• Sanitization: Ability to keep items clean and free from germs after use.  
• Space and Budget: Availability of funds and storage considerations.  

Suggestions from the university community are encouraged and evaluated using these criteria.  

Borrowing from Gumberg’s Library of Things:   

For specifics on item loan times, borrowing procedures, patron responsibilities and replacement requirements, as well as other details based on each collection within the Library of Things, please visit our Library of Things landing page: https://guides.library.duq.edu/LOT_landing_page

Updated TJB: 6/4/2025