Resources + Research
The Tool Library Alliance unites tool libraries across the United States to foster community resilience, increase sustainability, and build a culture of generosity through the sharing of tools, skills, and knowledge.
Join this burgeoning network of tool libraries and libraries of things. Learn from peers and build tool-sharing capacity wherever you are.
A comprehensive guide to starting (and growing) a sharing hub in your community!
Shareable along with several members of the Tool Library Alliance have created this fantastic resource for existing and emerging sharing libraries.
It covers a wide range of topics including:
– Space (how to find, acquire, and design a LoT)
– Membership (costs, benefits, privileges, and access)
– Income generation & Operational budgeting
– Governance (board, staff, members, and beyond)
– Communications, branding, and marketing
– Mobile sharing libraries
– Working with and within public libraries
The Repair Association hosts a “Complaints” tracker that enables individuals to submit their experiences with manufacturers who are out of compliance with current laws or simply engaging in activities that prevent repair.
And did you know that it’s illegal for companies to prevent you from repairing things you own? (Think of those stickers claiming your warranty will be voided if you open your device.)
“The [Magnuson-Moss] Warranty Act says that companies can’t void your warranty or deny warranty coverage solely because you use a part made by another company or because you get repairs done or other services from someone not associated with the company, unless the company provides the part or service for free under the warranty.” – FTC, July 7, 2022
You can report instances of this activity to the Federal Trade Commission here
The Repair Association is tracking progress on Right to Repair legislation and implementation throughout the U.S. and offers some wonderful tools to understand “the state of Right to Repair” wherever you live.
They also host a “Complaints” log enabling individuals to submit their experiences with manufacturers who are out of compliance with current laws or simply engaging in activities that prevent repair.
There are a few resources out there for groups who want to gather repair data (which can be helpful for all kinds of things: from improving the chance of fixing an item, to making recommendations for durable/repairable manufacturing processes, to applying for grants!). These tools make it easier to share and compare data – around the world!
The Repair Monitor – from Repair Café International
Community Repair Data Records – from Open Repair Alliance
A “playbook” for circular innovators from our inspiring colleagues at the Share Reuse Repair Initiative in B.C.
“A global transformation is underway in people’s attitudes towards “stuff”. Leading edge consumers are at the forefront of a separation between purposeful versus excessive consumption. The ‘Stuff in Flux 2’ report explores how leading edge consumers are shaping mass market opportunities for circular ‘stuff’ in Canada, today and over the next 3-5 years, with comparisons to US and global markets. Use these insights to inspire circular innovation for your brand and future proof your business.” Check out Stuff in Flux 2
FTC Report to Congress Examines Anti-Competitive Repair Restrictions, Recommends Ways to Expand Consumers’ Repair Options. Read the “Nixing the Fix” Report Here
We reference this all the time in our work! It’s critical to understand how people’s identities and interest shape the way they participate (or don’t) in circular activities. This research conducted by One Earth Living is illuminating! Motivations for Lighter Living Action
Developed by Sitra and UBC Sauder School of Business professor Katherine White – another go to for insights on how to communicate with the public about circular activities. Learn more about the SHIFT Framework
Fascinating multidimensional study!
ResourcefulME is a multi-year research project designed to explore the social, environmental and economic value of Maine’s vibrant reuse economy. From road-side flea markets and high-end antique stores, to Uncle Henry’s circulars and church thrift shops – signs of Maine’s tradition of reuse are hard to miss. Using a unique combination of in-depth, on-the-ground conversation with folks across the state, archival research and spatial economic modeling we aim to learn more about the historical construction, contemporary relevance, and future potential of second-hand economies in Maine.
See the current report and past studies. This was the foundational work inspiring Washington’s own forthcoming report!
Repair Education Resources
Our colleague, Culture of Repair, has been curating and supporting the development of a wealth of materials and full repair curricula for a variety of educational settings. Visit them to find resources for your classroom or project!
