Sherry app

Research and Development

The study began by examining the role of libraries beyond books, exploring how they could support sharing economies in small communities. Through interviews, fieldwork, and workshops, we identified that while people are open to sharing tools, instruments, and household items, there were concerns about accountability and convenience.

Initial prototypes focused on integrating the library as a moderator of peer-to-peer sharing, but discussions with stakeholders revealed that involving librarians directly could undermine trust in the institution. Iterative design led to a refined concept where the library would provide a designated drop-off and pick-up space, ensuring accessibility while avoiding direct responsibility for items.

Prototype Description

The final design is a sharing station within the library, functioning similarly to an Instabox-style locker system where users can securely deposit and retrieve borrowed items using a digital code. The system is supported by a companion app, allowing people to list and request items without involving librarians in the transactions. By shifting libraries into community-driven sharing hubs, this solution enhances accessibility to resources while encouraging sustainable consumption through collaborative ownership.