An inclusive perspective to digital tools in lending libraries

We wanted to get more understanding of the widespread questions and struggles we were sensing among our volunteers and users. We wanted to start a discussion with the software developers and show...

We wanted to get more understanding of the widespread questions and struggles we were sensing among our volunteers and users. We wanted to start a discussion with the software developers and show them our struggles and questions. We want to work towards a sustainable future, with a digital economy that includes the most vulnerable members of society. Therefore, everybody needs to be able to use the digital tools of sharing initiatives. We wanted to create a connection between the software developers and the end users of the tools. We wanted to show the software world that user friendliness and inclusion are necessary and that their tools are currently not sufficient. We wanted to understand the software development process, in order to ensure better communication regarding our needs towards the engineering community. We wanted to create a larger network of like-minded people in Europe working on a sustainable future through promoting lending/borrowing instead of owning/buying toys and baby supplies. Our organisations and participants needed to feel like they were not alone: there is a common ground that unites us. We felt helpless in conversations regarding software and we needed to change that into a feeling of empowerment.

A proposal to software builders on how to make their software more inclusive. Significant creation of a network between volunteers and employees of different toy libraries in Belgium and Sweden. Better comprehension of the European institutions and their procedures More than 50 different participants to different workshops and exchanges. An overall positive evaluation of all the activities organised. Ten proposed changes to the lending software Lend Engine making the software more inclusive. Five concrete issues addressed leading to manifold solutions to the lending software Myturn making it more accessible and inclusive. Understanding and insight in (digital) inclusion and literacy Increased digital resilience with the participants of the workshops.