Webinar presented by Erin Gray (gray@amigos.org), Library Services and Technology Trainer, Amigos Library Services.
"Right to repair" is a global movement to have greater access to parts and tools to fix things around the house and avoid waste, including tools and manuals used by manufacturers. More and more states are considering right to repair laws. Fix-it clinics are a way for libraries to be part of this movement.
Fixit resources:
- Ifixit- repair guides, answers forum, teardowns of trending gadgets
- Repair.org
- Repair Cafe-ready to go guides on how to get started with fixit events, attract volunteers, etc.
- Fixit Austin--samples of forms, supplies, signage, volunteer recuitment tips, etc. for your own fixit clinic
- Fix-it DC- coaches and training centers
Types of fixit clinics:
- All-day fixit fair
- Series of workshops
- Specific focus- clothes, bicycles, even coffee!
- Patrons drop-off items
- Patron and volunteers work together to fix items
- Take-apart or teardown programs
- Pop-up events offsite
Clinic tips:
- Let patrons know what items will and will not be accepted.
- Partner with local fixit organizations or tool libraries.
- if you have the capacity, record clinics for patrons to learn from later.
- Let patrons know if there are limits. Some clinics limit to one item per person.
- Have sign-up sheets for volunteers.
- Promote your home repair collections, whether books, databases, or kits.
- Create a directory of your volunteer fixers to promote local businesses.
Handout is here.
-Andrea H. @GLCL
