meansofproduction

A free as in beer application to manage a distributed library, especially a library of things.

Why

Because there's no need for every person to buy every tool
Because most library software isn't free, or assumes that the library owns the items and can store them locally.
Because control of the means of production is the material basis for everything
Because distributed tool libraries are easier to set up and do not require tools to live in a central place!
Because Library Socialism is a great idea - if you'd like to know more, check out the links!

FAQs about distributed libraries

Who owns the items?

The same people that do now. You are simply advertising your willingness to lend the item to others. You can impose some conditions on the lenders - for example, that they've proven their legal name, etc.

Can I remove my item from the library?

Yes, except you'll need to wait until the borrowers return any items currently out on loan. You can then remove the item from borrowing.

What if my item is damanged when I lend it?

Currently, the lender takes that risk. Depending on the library, they likely will penalize the borrower to mark them as less trustworthy. In the long term, we'll seek to create an insurance fund to compensate lenders and encourage more lending.

Is there anything I can't lend?

Nope. If you want to lend food, we advise making it a permanent loan unless you're really into composting. We ask for legal reasons that you don't list anything you know to be illegal.

What is a permanent loan

A permanent loan is where you don't want the item anymore, so you don't demand a return date.

Isn't a permanent loan just giving the item away?

No - per the principle of usufruct, the person can use and profit from the item but not permanently stop others from using it.

In plain words, it means I give you the item with the condition you don't sell it, instead giving it to someone else if you no longer want it.

Entities

Roles

Borrowers - somebody who has a need and wishes to use an item to fulfill that need
Lenders - somebody with an item to lend.
Libraries - organizations which connect Borrowers and Lenders, and prevent abuses for the general good. Depending on the type of library, a library may also be a lender. Libraries create Loans of items, and also determine if Borrowers remain in good standing, if items are returned satisfactorily, etc.

Parts

All code currently can be found at https://github.com/Means-Of-Production

domain - domain objects that define the business logic and storage functions
graphql_server - GraphQL API to support the front end
web_client - browser based way to lend and borrow
phone_client - ReactNative client for interacting

Current Domain Objects

Thing

Something to be lent out - a good, service, anything

Lender

A person or entity that owns an item. They might also be responsible for evaluating conditions on return.

Borrower

A person or entity which borrows an item through a Loan.

Borrowers who return items late or damaged can accrue fees or demerits, depending on the library policies.

Loan

The temporary transfer of an item to a borrower to supply a need. Fills the Usufruct need - so a borrower might use and enjoy the benefits of an item, but is not free to destroy or permanently remove it (such as selling it).

Loans may or may not have an expiration. For example, we may consider a gift or entitlement to be a loan without an expiration date.

Library

A library might represent either a library organization, or a distributed group of Lenders

Libraries will also be able to allow members from other libraries, presenting an easy way to offer a unified platform for existing lenders.

Libraries can enforce policies on behalf of their membership, such as maximum items to borrow at one time, fees or points for non-returned items, etc.

Long term integration with voting platforms for libraries is a good move to ensure democratic control of libraries.

Libraries can optionally take Donations, which transfers the location to a library.

Libraries create Loans of Items.