The sharing pool

+ What is a sharing pool?

A sharing pool can be described as a place, physical or digital, where some form of resource is being shared between members. In our case it revolves around resources for culture where members together share the resources available at Returkultur.

+ What is the difference between a sharing pool and a rental firm?

There are several differences between a rental firm and a sharing pool as Returkultur:

• Returkultur is a non-profit organisation
• Returkultur is powered partly by it's members
• Returkultur is cheaper than rental firms but also don't give the same kind of service. Here you yourself collect all the objects you need, you test them when returning and put them back in the shelves.
• Returkultur wants to be a part in the transition towards a more sustainable society by collecting that which otherwise had been thrown away or not used and let resources be used as much as possible.

+ Who runs the sharing pool?

The sharing pool is partly run by it's own members, but there is also employees who are responsible for Returkultur.

+ When are you opened?

Mondays 15-18, Wednesdays 10-13 and Fridays 10-13.

Equipment

+ What equipment is availble?

In the sharing pool there are all sorts of objects good for culture production. Speakers, microphones, lightning fixtures, cables, textiles, drumkits, amplifiers, projectors, screens, computers, fire extinguishers, mugs, pots. You can se exactly what is available here.

+ Where did the equipment originate from?

Most of the equipment in the warehouse at Returkultur is donated from for example culture institutions, production companies and rental firms. It's stuff that they no longer need or that doesn't work. Some things are those which are owned by other organizations/persons that they want to share through us. Free storage space for them, and the objects can now be used by our members.

+ I have something I want to donate or share, how do I proceed?

Start by sending us an email at hej@returkultur. If you attach an image and a description it makes it easiers for us to assess if we can accept it. Sometimes we accept broken things so check with us before throwing stuff out! We don't collect everything. It can be too big, too broken or in some cases too impractical.

If you want to share something through Returkultur, please send an email with the same info as in the example above, and we will make an assessment. We will enter into an agreement that regulates how the objects may be used and what right to usage you have. Generally you have the right to override another member's reservation of your own object up to three weeks in advance of the pick-up date.

+ Can you wish for something specific to be bought by the sharing pool?

Everything in the sharing pool is donated or shared by others. We never buy in anything new. Sometimes we need to buy something to make an object usable, but we try to buy it used. We also buy spare parts in order to fix broken objects.

+ Can you guarantee that everything in the sharing pool is in working condition?

Everything that is collected is tested before put into the warehouse, and after each time loaned to a member. The exception is cables. This does not mean that we guarantee that everything works, only that it worked the last time it was put onto the shelf.

Membership

+ Who can become a member?

Nearly everyone who deals in culture and who is an active participant in the civil society in the region of Västra Götaland can become a member. See our criterias for membership here.

+ What does it mean to become a member?

As a member you a part in making sharing possible between members and it is we together that make the sharing pool work. As a member you are free to help out as much as you want, like with staffing opening hours, fixing things or collecting donations. Read more about membership here.

+ What does it cost to become a member?

Membership cost from 1500 SEK per year. If you are a large organization and/or have plenty of resorces, we encourage you to pay more and by doing this contribute more to the organisation and its members. Read more about membership here.

+ Why does it cost money to become a member?

An organisation like Returkultur needs money for rent, salaries, spare parts, tools, digital platform, warehouse inventories, transports etc. We do have funding but we also need to get money in other ways to be able to fund the organization.

+ Do you become a member in the förening when you become a member in the sharing pool?

No, you do not.

Loaning and returning

+ How does a loan work?

First thing to do is to reserve the objects you need in the digital platform. When making a reservation, you choose a time slot for the pick-up. Upon arriving at Returkultur, you will yourself collect your reserved objects and receive help in checking them out by our staff. We have a guide with more information about the sharing pool's platform. As of today, it is only available in Swedish. We are working on an English version.

+ How do i return the objects?

When you return objects, you will test all equipment on site so we know they work. After this, a staff member at Returkultur will check them into the system. The last step is for you to put the things back onto the shelves where you found them. This procedure can take quite some time, especially for large loans. Be sure to make time for this. The staff at Returkultur will help you to put things right if you ask them.

+ For how long a period can I borrow?

The standard maximum time for a reservation period is 14 days. If you need a longer loan, contact us and we will check if possible.

+ What about if I can't make it back in time?

Best is if you arrive at the date you've booked, but sometimes unforseen things happen. If so, please contact us in advance. If something you were supposed to return is reserved by another member it needs to be brought back ASAP. If the next member can't pick it up on time, you may be liable for compensation for the costs that may inflict on the next member. This cost can be e.g. the cost of renting equipment at a rental firm or compensation for extra work. We may be at Returkultur outside of opening hours, if there is another time that is possible for you to return. Always email or call us before arriving outside of opening hours.

+ Can you borrow or return things on other times than your open hours?

Preferably not, but it may be possible. Contact us by email or telephone and we will do our best.

+ What happens if something breaks or gets lost?

Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes accidents happen. If you happen to break something that can be fixed we recommend you to try to fix it yourself. You can use our workshop for this. If this is not possible, we may charge you an hourly rate for fixing stuff, or for buying a replacement object if it's beyond repair or missing. You may also buy a suitable replacement object yourself.

Sometimes stuff breaks just because it's old or have been used alot. In such cases you do not have to pay for anything. We make an asesssment from case to case. Generally, you as a member are responsible for the objects while you are loaning them. You can see all our terms for use here.

+ Are the objects insured when I borrow them?

We do not provide insurance for things when you loan them. It is your own insurance that provide security for the things when they are in your possession. It's always recommended you ask your insurance company what it covers.