Members Agreement & Tool Use Policy
You're nearly there! Before you can borrow tools, we need you to agree to the Liverpool Tool Library user agreement.
Mission and ethos
The tool library is here for you and your DIY needs! We believe everyone should have access to tools, whether it be fixing to feel good, maintenance, making your house a home or to simply play and learn. By sharing donated tools we want you to have a more affordable and sustainable option. So we invite you to join other members near you in agreeing to the terms below – which ensure that your tool library thrives both now and into the future to be a solid resource for a collaborative and resilient community.
Definitions
The ‘member’ – any person who has created an account via the Liverpool Tool Library’s myTurn catalogue, regardless of whether they have borrowed from the Tool Library or not
‘Item’ or ‘tool’ – any piece of equipment stocked by the Liverpool Tool Library
‘Tool Library’ (or ‘LTL’, ‘us’, ‘we’ or ‘our’) – the organisation lending out items to Members
'Borrowing' – the act of picking up, taking care and making use of an item from the Liverpool Tool Library and returning it on the stated return date or in the dedicated storage when using it in our workshops
Joining & Membership
Only Members are able to borrow tools from the Liverpool Tool Library.
To become a Member, you must:
(a) Be aged 18 or over
(b) Complete your personal info and date of birth
(c) Confirm your email address so that we can contact you
(d) Sign this Member’s Agreement & Tool Use Policy
(e) Sign the Waiver of Indemnification
(f) Have your residence confirmed and identity verified by a LTL volunteer
Your membership will be activated once your residence has been confirmed by a LTL volunteer and your identity verified. Verification of your identity is accomplished by presenting an official photo ID and a second form of identification that includes your current address (dated within 3 months). If you don’t have a proof of address or official photo ID, let us know and we will see what other options are available.
We will treat your information with respect. For more information about our privacy practices, please visit our Privacy Policy. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.
Renewing Membership
You can renew your membership before it expires with a new donation and extend it for another 12 months. This can be done online by logging in into your Tool Library account. You will receive reminders closer to the expiration date of your membership with instructions or you can find more info on how to renew on our website.
If you have chosen 'Auto-Renew' you will be reminded 3 days before we take payment.
Borrowing
Volunteers are available to assist in explaining the operation of tools to the best of their knowledge. However, by taking possession of any item, you are certifying that you are capable of using that item in a safe and proper manner.
Only you, the Member is authorised to use LTL tools. You shall not permit the use of items checked out to you by any other person unless by express permission of the Tool Library.
You agree that the Tool Library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed tools. If a tool breaks, becomes unsafe or is malfunctioning, you agree to stop using it. We want our tools to be used lots, but they will eventually break down. We won’t hold you responsible (unless there has been clear mis-use or lack of care) and will organise a replacement, but notify us of the issue on return, if not earlier.
Some tools require consumable parts (e.g. sanders have sanding pads, jigsaws have blades, etc). Please note they are not guaranteed to come with the tool. Tools on our inventory can have a YOU MAY NEED section that let's you know what you may need alongside the tool. You may have to buy blades, sand paper, PPE etc which we may be able to provide.
The Tool Library reserves the right to refuse the loan of any item at its discretion.
You may renew each item once only if:
(a) you renew online or contact us by noon the day before the item is due, and
(b) no other member has reserved the tool, and
(c) no global pandemic is imposing the Tool Library to adapt or restrict its service to keep on sharing.
The Tool Library reserves the right to refuse or limit renewals and will do so based on demand. The exception to this may be items that are in particularly high demand (cordless drills or mowers in the summer for example).
Requesting tools
Tools may be reserved in advance.
Volunteers will check that the item has not been booked by someone else, find alternatives if required and communicate with you any necessary information for the collection. You understand that all reservations are only effective once you receive a confirmation from us.
To give us enough notice, you must send a reservation request by midnight on the day before collection. Any reservation requests sent after the deadline might not be met.
Give at least 24 hours notice for any changes to your reservations. If you no longer need to borrow an item or cannot fulfil a reservation, you agree to cancel your request with 24 hours notice.
Returning tools
- All tools are to be returned in the same (or better) condition as they were issued, barring normal wear and tear.
- They will be returned clean of dust, soil, plaster, glue etc or a charge may be incurred per tool.
- All tools borrowed are to be returned to the Tool Library by close of business on their due date.
Tools may only be returned during the Tool Library’s opening hours. Please return tools to the place they were borrowed from. Failure to do so could mean the tool goes missing which we will charge for or they are delayed in being checked in with late fees being accumulated.
If a tool is returned late, you will be responsible for a late fee. We do not want to do this, but it makes members remember the next time. Other people are relying on you to return the tools, so please be considerate. This late fee will be £1 per day we are open and per tool until the tool is returned. Late fees are capped at the full replacement cost of the tool plus a £5 administrative fee per tool. Late fees must be paid in full before borrowing further items. The Tool Library may replace severely delinquent tools, holding the member responsible for the full replacement cost plus a £5 administrative fee. Fines must be paid in full before borrowing further items.
You agree to pay for the loss of or damage to any item through misuse, and further agree to accept the Tool Library’s assessment of the condition of items and further agree to the Tool Library’s assessment of fair restitution for damage, dirtiness, delinquency, and/or loss of items in part or in total. This restitution amount could equal the full replacement cost of the item plus a £5 administrative fee.
The Tool Library reserves the right to use appropriate steps to retrieve delinquent tools or unpaid fines and late fees, including the use of a collection agency and/or legal action and assess the delinquent Member with the cost of any such action. Under UK Law, ”borrowing without the intent to return” is theft. The Tool Library reserves the right to contact the police to retrieve tools if it deems such action appropriate. The Tool Library also reserves the right to forgive late fees due to special circumstances.
IN SHORT
- Return tools clean, on the day they are due back, to the place you picked them up from, during opening hours,
- Use common sense when using the tools,
- And tell us if there is any problem.
And now for the serious bit...
I affirm that the information that I have provided on my account is current, true, and correct, and understand that this information might be subject to verification.
I further agree to read and sign the Waiver of Indemnification in person, relinquishing any and all claims against the Liverpool Tool Library.
I further state that I have read and fully understand the rules and regulations of the Liverpool Tool Library, and I understand that failure to comply with any of these rules may result in revocation of my borrowing privileges and/or legal action against me.
Please sign below with your two initials, acknowledging that you have read and agree to the Liverpool Tool Library’s user agreement.
