Tablet Technology Programs
Submitted by vona.bowling on Fri, 07/08/2016 - 16:16
Type of Pilot Project:
Public Service
Describe Project and Impact:
In a digital age, providing programs that encourage creation and education using technological resources would keep us relevant in today's society.
Project Description and Expected Outcomes:
If the library purchased iPads, or similar tablet technologies, that are specifically for program usage and could be checked out among the libraries for ongoing programs, we could begin providing interactive, creative programming that uses technology. The current age is interested in technology, both for fun and creation and also for job competitiveness. If we had maybe 16-20 iPads available at a central location for all metro libraries to reserve for library programs only, with a specific list of apps loaded, libraries could begin offering programs that use these technologies.
For example, libraries could offer a short movie contest, and have programs where people are given the technology to create these movies using iMovie and submit them for a contest.
Another example, book club meetings could include an opportunity to create a tellagami or a chatterpix (free apps)to describe their thoughts on the book. Then these could be made into QR codes that could be posted around the library where patrons could scan it to hear what other people think about the books they are reading using smartphones.
We could also have programs involving comics and use the app ComicLife($4.99 for one time purchase on each ipad), where people can create their own digital comic books. Again, these could easily be displayed among the library to show the creativity of local patrons.
People are interested in technology. Having programs surrounding using technological resources would likely draw in patrons to the library, both the technological savvy who want an outlet to demonstrate their ability and also reach people who are interested in learning more in technology.
Why should we select this project?:
This is a way to expand our program services to include technology. This also stands with our SOaP to grow smarter communities one member at a time. It also goes with our vision of the library by helping us provide experiences that would encourage critical thinking, problem solving and lifelong learning.
The current trend is to be able to do everything digitally. We can offer a variety of programs using tablets that would appeal to young and older, families and single, technologically savvy and beginners. The programs planned using the technology could potentially attract all of our cluster customers. The more interactive the programs are, the attendance could rise. Having a set of library use only iPads would encourage becoming technologically competent in a society that depends on it.
Constraints, Limitations, or Dependencies:
Purchase of the iPads (depending on whether you get iPad airs or iPad pros and how many GB each one has, this could range from $399-$799 a piece), programs would need librarian leaders to instruct on how to use the iPads, will need to be well advertised when we begin doing programs with technology
Source of Inspiration:
Putnam City Public Schools (classroom and media library projects), Southington Library in Connecticut (preschool storytimes with families using 12 iPads), New York Public Library (how to use the technology programs), Albany Public Library (Film-making programs for teens)
Partner/Supporting Departments:
Information Technology
Marketing
Planning
Performance Indicators:
Other
Other Indicator:
Increased attendance to library programs
Environment:
Library
Experience:
Playful Learning
- Log in to post comments
Comments