Community Guidelines

Handoffs are in person

ClimbArchive is built around in-person handoffs between climbers in the same area — at the crag, the gym, a coffee shop, the trailhead. We don't support mailing or shipping books. Use the loan messages on the loan page to agree on a meeting time and place once a request is approved, and don't share your home address unless you genuinely want to. If you can't reasonably meet up with a borrower, decline the request — that's what the "no" button is for.

For owners

• List books accurately. Note the edition, year, and any wear honestly.
• Respond to loan requests within a few days, even if it's a "no".
• Agree on an in-person meet-up plan for both pickup and return before approving a loan.
• Don't list books you aren't actually willing to lend out.

For borrowers

• List before you borrow. The archive is a two-way street — you need at least one guidebook checked in before you can request a loan. Don't have one to share? Get in touch and we'll work something out.
• Treat every book like it's the last copy in print — because it might be.
• Return on time. If your trip changes, message the owner early.
• Don't write in, fold, or otherwise mark up someone else's guidebook.
• If something happens — water damage, lost on the approach — own up to it.

For everyone

• Be kind. The person on the other end is a climber, not a vending machine.
• Buy the book when you can. If a guidebook is in print and you climb in the area regularly, support the author and get your own copy. The archive is for the gaps — out-of-print titles, one-off trips, and previews.
• No commercial use. ClimbArchive is for personal lending, not rental businesses.
• Respect access. Don't share beta for closed or sensitive areas.
• Flag disputes through the loan page so admins can help mediate.

When things go wrong

If a book isn't returned, comes back damaged, or a member is acting in bad faith, open a flag from the loan page. Admins review every report and can step in to mediate, restrict accounts, or remove listings.