Definition 
History
Characteristics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Selection
Evaluations
Storage and Care
Management Issues
Web Pages
Bibliography
Toy Libraries
Classifying Toys

Management Issues:

Public library toy collections tend to leave the "social work" out of their approach. They provide toys as an educational tool.  With this comes a more authoritarian philosophy: if you cannot take care of the toy properly, you will no longer get to use it.  More and more libraries are eliminating their toy collections due to the inherent messiness that comes with having one. Missing pieces are the number one source of problems.  Kids are messy and toys that spend a lot of time with kids are even messier.  Families have differing views of cleanliness and appropriate use of toys. It takes a lot of time for toy librarians to keep the collection in order, clean and complete.  When a herd of toddlers comes through and pulls every puzzle off the shelf, dumping the pieces in the middle of the story time carpet, it's generally not the parents who sort everything out again.  They're too frazzled trying to keep their children out of the reference area.

Toy selection is fun but time-consuming: will this toy hold up to a toddler's use?  Is it safe for a three year old?  Will a five-year old be too large to ride it?  If so, can we afford something for that age?  Often, a selector's favorite toy will sit idle, never catching a child's eye. That is money ill-spent.

Toy upkeep is crucial.  Toys that become cracked or frayed can become very dangerous in a child's hands.  Some toys are better made than others but you will have to pay for this quality.  Keeping the toys clean is also important.  If a toy has been scribbled on it is more likely to be damaged by subsequent children because that is their nature: someone else did it, so it must be ok.  Many toy libraries insist on fines or replacement of the damaged item, either with the same toy or something comparable.  Donated toys must be in impeccable condition to be added to the collection. Junk begets junk. Weeding on a regular basis is critical.

Toys are not the same as books: they don't line up nicely on a shelf.  Planning the physical space for a toy collection takes special thought.  One place to look for ideas is a preschool or daycare.  These are the specialists in dealing with toys and children.  Librarians can learn a lot from their expertise.  Ask which companies preschools use to purchase toys and furniture.

FINANCE: Toys are  usually among the first items to be cut from a library budget.
TIPS:

  • Ask for donations in the form of both monetary gifts and toys.
  • Contact companies for trial offers, and get involved in market research.
  • Programs such as “Adopt a Toy” can be implemented. -- Patrons can buy a toy and have it permanently stay in the collection.
  • Institutions can co-operate when starting  toy services. -- For example, a co-op can be started between the library and Social Services.
  • Contact the government. They can be a source for obtaining grants.


ADDITIONAL TRAINING: Acquiring toys may cause the need for additional employee training. In some institutions this may create a financial problem (e.g. not enough money for  staffing or for additional hours for training).  Libraries usually have a video on first-aide and safety. Work with local organizations such as the YMCA or the AmericanRed Cross, which often offer free classes.

CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES:  Toys can raise some controversial issues, such as:  gender-stereotyping, and violence.  When selecting toys keep in mind the mission of the institution and the reason for acquiring the toys.

REPAIRING AND CLEANING:  The problem of constantly repairing and cleaning the toys is an  issue -- Volunteers are sometimes a good solution.  One option may be to set up large containers marked:
 


WASHING REPAIRING PACKING DISCARDING
Then designate one or more  employees or volunteers to be responsible for these areas.
  • Kids are germy.  Unless you want to spread every cold and flu in your community, toys must be cleaned regularly.  It is best to provide cleaning supplies at the toy return, letting parents take on the responsibility.  If the toy is still not clean the toy librarians can discreetly clean it again.  A solution of 4 litres of warm water, 1/2 TBL of soap and a half cup of bleach will work.  Items can also be sprayed with a mixture (equal parts) of Isopropyl alcohol and water, then wiped clean.  Certain toys can also be machine washed, following manufacturer's instructions.
SAFETY is an important issue  when acquiring toys. It is important to insure the institution that is acquiring the toys. An All Risk Policy and General Comprehensive Liability should be considered.  It is recommended that the parent / guardian / caregiver sign a form acknowledging his / her responsibility for supervising the child's play with the toys borrowed and removed from the premises. Additional training also falls into this category.  It is beneficial for employees, volunteers , and even parents to attend a play safety supervision class or seminar.