Public libraries typically categorize telescopes under “Library of Things,” necessitating specialized library procedures. As such, your library will need to develop specific policies and procedures for the program that meet your circumstances and needs.

Key considerations are as follows:

1) Organizational Decision: Adult or Youth Department

A key decision facing libraries is to determine whether the library telescope program will be handled by "adult” or "youth” program". This decision varies by library, with no right or wrong answer. Typically, libraries require an adult to be responsible for checking out the telescope, but families —including children under adult supervision—are the primary users. Your choice may largely depend on staffing capabilities and your promotional plans.

2) Policies and Procedures

Libraries are typically very cooperative in sharing their policies and procedures. It may be beneficial to check with a local library that already has a Library Telescope Program to ensure your library aligns with local practices.

a) Procedures: Check-in/Check-out

Generally, the following should be checked at check-out and check-in:

Ensure that the contents of the belt pack are present, including the instructions, constellation guide, and red light.

• Check the viewfinder to make sure the battery is still working and remember to turn it off. This is the most common issue with the Library Telescope, as patrons often forget to turn off the viewfinder, draining the battery. The library should have extra viewfinder batteries on hand for replacements, which are not very expensive.
• Ensure that the viewfinder is correctly aligned with the telescope. Patrons often turn the alignment screws on the viewfinder, causing it to be misaligned. (The instruction manual explains how the user can adjust the red dot finder if needed.)
• Visually inspect the telescope for any possible damage, such as cracked laminate, dents in the tube, or loose parts

To help you get started, here are several examples of written checkout procedures available on library websites.

• Gunnison County Libraries, Gunnison CO:  http://gunnisoncountylibraries.org/telescope/
• Sample Procedure #1: Download
• Sample Procedure #2: Download

 b) Policy: Lending Period

The typical lending period for Library Telescopes ranges from one to three weeks. During the initial program launch, libraries often opt for a one-week lending period to accommodate high demand. As the program matures and waitlists decrease, libraries may adjust the lending period to align with the borrowing period for other items, such as books.

Additionally, some libraries do not permit patrons to renew the telescope lending period, while others do allow renewals.

c) Policy: Age requirement for telescope checkout

We want kids to use the telescope, but we want adults to take responsibility for borrowing and use. Libraries generally only allow adult patrons to borrow the Library Telescope. Libraries vary on use of age 18 or 21.

d) Policy: Transport case

One of the most common questions libraries ask the Library Telescope Program is whether to purchase a case for the telescope. While some libraries choose to buy a case, the recommended method for patrons to transport telescopes between the library and home is to secure the telescope in a car seat, just like a child, with a seatbelt and without a case. This method minimizes the weight of the telescope and has generally proven successful, as patrons tend to be more careful when handling the telescope.

e) Policy: Damage recovery

Many libraries include a damage recovery clause, holding patrons responsible if the library telescope is damaged or not returned. Due to its simple design, the library telescope is usually repairable by someone experienced with telescopes, and the cost of parts can be determined once the damage is assessed.

However, we've had reports that patrons in underserved areas may be hesitant to check out the telescope due to the fear of incurring fees for damage. It's essential to tailor your approach to your library's specific circumstances to ensure accessibility for all patrons.

f) Policy: Patron training requirement to check out a telescope

It is not generally required but it would be best if patrons borrowing the Library Telescope have attended patron training or viewed a video on use of the Library Telescope. Hosting a “star party” at your library is an excellent way to provide patron with training on how to use the telescope and navigate the night sky.

g) Policy: Intra-branch transfer

Some libraries with multiple locations assign each telescope to a specific branch where patrons must pick up and return it. This approach can result in some branches having unused telescopes while others have long waitlists.

Alternatively, some libraries transfer telescopes between locations based on patron requests. While this method optimizes the use of limited telescope resources, the vehicles used for transporting telescopes are usually packed with other library materials, which can increase the risk of damage to the precision equipment.

h) Policy: Patron training requirement before telescope checkout

It is not generally required but it would be best if patrons borrowing the Library Telescope have attended patron training or viewed a video on use of the Library Telescope.  The Library Telescope Program has a series of “Getting Started” videos at this link:

• Getting Started: https://librarytelescope.org/how-to-use/get-started

In addition to online videos, hosting a “star party” at your library is an excellent way to provide patron with training on how to use the telescope and navigate the night sky.  View this webinar entitled “Hosting a Library Star Party under Light Polluted Skies” (skip to 8:47 on timeline): View Webinar

3) Facility readiness

The library should have a designated place to store the telescopes, in-library signage to market the program, and a space to host star parties and other astronomy-related events.