Tool Library Cumbernauld Research Project Needs Your Help: Complete Online Survey

An innovative Cumbernauld charity is encouraging local residents to take part in an exploratory investigation into consumer purchasing behaviour of social enterprises.

Tool Library Cumbernauld, a social enterprise which enables people to borrow manual tools, is the subject of a case study by University of Stirling postgraduate Leah Syme in which Cumbernauld citizens are being asked to give their views based on their interest in the organisation and their own consumer habits.

Launched in 2019, the environmentally-friendly organisation provides quality tools and equipment for a range of purposes, including DIY, gardening, crafts, sports and kitchen usage, with individuals able to join the Tool Library for an annual fee and borrow suitable items of equipment throughout the year.

The charity has an overarching aim of reducing the waste that is sent to landfill by urging people to borrow items that are infrequently used. Leah Syme, who is studying for a Masters in Business Management, is currently working with the organisation as part of her postgraduate degree. She commented:

“I am looking for residents within the Cumbernauld and North Lanarkshire area to complete a short online survey as part of research being conducted for my dissertation.

“In the questionnaire, we ask for informed opinions of Tool Library Cumbernauld as a business and its wider impact within the community. It will take around 10 minutes to complete.

“By completing the survey, you will be contributing to knowledge concerning the rise of Tool Library Cumbernauld and its marketing through social media and networking.

“This project has been ethically approved by University of Stirling’s General University Ethics Panel and Ethics Review Body, and the results of the study will be used solely for scholarly purposes.

“Additionally, those completing the survey have the option to be entered into a prize draw for a free one-year subscription to the Tool Library.”

Data protection and confidentiality are key considerations during the research, with individuals having the right to withdraw their participation at any stage. Leah added:

“If the opportunity arises where my work is requested for further analysis or publication, participants will be asked for their full consent for data to be shared in this way.

“If they agree, it will be ensured that the data collected will not be traceable back to them. If published, they will be informed via email and given full access to the publication.”

Over the past year, Tool Library Cumbernauld has been lauded locally and nationally for taking responsibility amidst the global challenge of climate change through fulfilling its own vital environmental mission, as highlighted in this Third Force News article.

Two types of membership are offered by the organisation. An unlimited member (£50 per annum, £35 for concessions) can borrow up to 10 items an unlimited number of times throughout the year, whilst a mini-member (£20 per annum, £15 for concessions) can borrow up to five tools in one year.

Furthermore, unlimited borrowers receive a 5% discount on low and zero waste household products that are available to buy, such as refills of washing-up liquid and hand soap. They are also eligible for a 10% discount on Tool Library workshops and can add a second adult with the same address free of charge as a member. Gift vouchers can be purchased through the organisation’s website at www.toollibrarycumbernauld.org.  

Since September 2019, the Tool Library has been based at Cornerstone House Centre’s Community Space facility, located at Unit 14 of Antonine Shopping Centre. Unfortunately, this facility is temporarily closed at present due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

It is planned, however, that the Tool Library’s drop-in service will resume once again in the near future, and those interested in the provision will be able to visit the organisation for further information or to access tools four days per day. If you are a resident of Greater Cumbernauld and in need of borrowing a manual tool, click here to search if Tool Library Cumbernauld have what you need in stock.

Meanwhile, the charity has announced that it will host its first Annual General Meeting online on Tuesday 4 August 2020 at 7.00pm. An open invitation is extended to all, and individuals can book places by clicking here.

For further information about Tool Library Cumbernauld, please telephone 07990 177017 or email hello@toollibrarycumbernauld.org. Those interested in finding out more Leah Syme’s research can contact her via email at les00046@students.stir.ac.uk.

Click Here to Complete Leah Syme’s Tool Library Cumbernauld Research Survey