ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions. ***************************************************************************** Hi Rachel, Regarding "toy libraries" several museums have run such programs over the years. You might check with Habitot in California, for instance: < http://www.habitot.org/hab/program_toy_library.htm > Many "regular" libraries, or museum/library combos have also run similar toy lending areas as part of their services as well. Good luck with the co-op science center idea! ---------------------------------------------------------- Paul Orselli, President and Chief Instigator Paul Orselli Workshop (POW!) World Headquarters 1684 Victoria Street Baldwin, NY 11510 (516) 223-1043 POW! website <http://www.orselli.net> Exhibit tips + tricks at the ExhibiTricks blog: <http://blog.orselli.net> > > On Jun 30, 2011, at 9:24 PM, Rachel Garcia wrote: > >> >> Hello Everyone, >> I am working to get a science center (or as I call it a science play-space) in Knox County, OH, a county with about 60,000 people, mainly rural, but with two colleges and a county seat of almost 20,000. I've been thinking a lot about funding, and how to make it work in a place where a lot of people have low incomes. I believe we can get some local funding for infrastructure and "stuff", but salaries and ongoing costs will be very difficult. I was wondering if anyone has tried or knows anything about using cooperative models for running such a place. >> >> For example, I was thinking about people gaining membership, and "ownership" by putting in a certain number of hours or money that would allow them unlimited use of the space for a certain time period. I've seen this model used at food coops- time worked gives discounts, but I've never heard of it for a science center. >> >> Also I was wondering has any science center ever had a science toy library or toy exchange? If you have thought of it, or have done it, do you have any thoughts to share? *********************************************************************** For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org. Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org. The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html. To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to [log in to unmask]