Library Rules

Shelf only works if people trust each other with the stuff they lend out. There's no fine print here — just what makes that trust hold up.

When you borrow

• Return what you borrow, in the shape you got it, by the date you agreed to.
• If you're going to be late, say so before the due date — not after.
• If something's damaged or lost, tell the lender. Don't let them find out on their own.

When you lend

• Only list items you actually have and are able to lend out.
• Keep an item's condition and availability up to date, so no one shows up expecting something you don't have anymore.
• Be reasonable about due dates and renewals — most late returns are just life getting in the way, not bad faith.

Rate honestly

Lender feedback after a loan is how the rest of your circle knows who to trust. Rate based on what actually happened, not on the friendship — an honest low rating protects the next person more than a generous one protects a friend's feelings.

Respect privacy and boundaries

• Respect a friend's privacy settings on their shelf — if something's marked private, it's not an invitation to ask why.
• Group libraries are shared with everyone in the group. Don't add or request items you wouldn't want the whole group to see.
• If someone's account or requests are making you uncomfortable, you can unfriend them or leave a group at any time.

If something goes wrong

Most disputes — a late return, a disagreement about condition — are between you and the other person, the same as they'd be if Shelf didn't exist. For anything more serious (harassment, a scam, someone abusing the platform), contact us atdev@thomasheller.net and we'll look into it.