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

Storage and Care:

The storage and care of toys needs attention and may be time consuming.  It is necessary to keep in mind what materials you are working with and  who the majority of the users are.Toys should be made easily available. How you display and store toys obviously depends on the space that is available.  Some libraries are able to create a separate room for toys; others incorporate them into the children's department; or still others may just have a corner in a room, or a shelf.  Therefore, the shelving that libraries currently use for books may be adequate for some toys, but other toys may require different or larger shelving.
 

The GOOD TOY GUIDE, put out by the Toy Library Association, provides a simple method of classification.  It's as simple as the A,B,C's...
A for Activity 1. Suitable for non-walkers as well as walkers
 2.  For walkers and climbers only
 3.   Extra large equipment
B for Baby Play  1. Things to look at
2.First handling and exploring toys
C for Co-ordinaiton  1.  Fitting, stacking, threading, screwing, turning, hammering
2.  Construction 
D for Discrimination  1. Matching, sorting, and grading
2.  Sound Discrimination
3.  Tactile Discrimination 
4.  Number play 
E for Expression -- imaginative and creative play  1.  Creative Play 
 2. Sand and Water Play
 3.  Domestic and other symbolic play
F for Fun and Games 1.  Fun Toys
2.  Color games 
3.  Dominoes 
4.  Lottos
5.  Numbers 

 
 
How to care for various types of toys to protect from wear and loss:

  • Coat wooden, painted, and paper covered jigsaw puzzles and games with clear, non-toxic polyurethane varnish.
  • If objects are stored in their original boxes, reinforce the corners with tape and cover with clear contact paper or other plastic adhesive sheeting.
  • Mark every container, toy and, where feasible, each piece with the appropriate catalog numbers.  Markers should be permanent and non-toxic.  Small labels on toys should be covered. 

 Examples of low cost storage containers:
  • Cardboard boxes (reinforce the corners with parcel or carpet tape.)
  • Plastic fridge/freezer boxes with snap-on lids.
  • Biscuit/candy/coffee tins that do not have sharp edges are durable.
  • Drawstring and vegetable net bags made of see-through materials.  These can be hung if needed.
  • Large plastic see-through pencil cases or briefcases are especially good for puzzles and books.
  • Heavy guage plastic or vinyl sewn together to make a casing.


AVOID PLASTIC BAGS!


EXAMPLES OF STORAGE MATERIALS:
  • SHELVES -- items in boxes

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  • BINS or LARGE BOXES (ON FLOOR, OR ON SHELVES) -- odd shapes, odd size animals

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  • PLASTIC BOXES -- games whose boxes have worn, puzzles 

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  • BAGS:  NET, PAPER, CLOTH, or PLASTIC with CIRCULATION --  all items, but especially odd shapes and those with many pieces

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  • PEGBOARD -- items in drawstring bags
TIPS:
  • IF YOU ARE NOT STORING THE TOY IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER IT IS BENEFICIAL TO SAVE THE CONTAINER AND ANY PICTURES TO BE USED IN PICTURE CATALOGS 
  • UPON ACQUIRING A TOY, UNPACK ANY LABELS, INSTRUCTIONS, AND WARNINGS GIVEN BY THE MANUFACTURER.  LAMINATE AND FIRMLY ATTACH THOSE ITEMS TO THE TOY OR CONTAINER.  IT IS ALSO BENEFICIAL TO MAKE  AND KEEP DUPLICATES. 
  • IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP OBJECTS VISIBLE AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE. 
  • IT IS BENEFICIAL TO INQUIRE WHETHER LOCAL CRAFTSMAN OR PATRONS CAN BUILD SHELVES