On Libraries and New Media, powered by Library Journal and School Library Journal
Now that the Google Play for Education store is here, is it everything we hoped it would be? In many ways, yes—with education app heavies like Explain Everything and ClassDojo in the mix. But there’s still work to be done to make it more attractive to libraries.
School librarians looking to launch a maker space in their schools, but who lack the funds to purchase high-tech gadgets like a 3-D printer, should consider the recent MakerBot and DonorsChoose.org partnership, says media specialist Andy Plemmons.
Librarianship is undeniably a service profession. Given that, you would think that our literature would be filled with advice on how to provide astonishing customer service. Instead, it isn’t. Perhaps this is because it can be difficult and expensive to provide surprisingly excellent customer service. But I don’t think it necessarily should be if we […]
Oklahoma’s Pioneer Library System (PLS) this week became the first library in the U.S. to debut Envisionware’s new 24-Hour Library. Officials plan to use two new vending units to offer 24 hour pickup for reserve materials at a small new branch near a busy shopping area, and to enhance access to materials in another location near a community center and a middle school.
Two years ago, four librarians at Oregon State University shared initial thoughts about using dedicated e-readers for the first time. We had just launched a year-long study of academic librarian use of e-readers and were excited to share our new-found joys along with concerns about the four e-readers used in the study. Two years later, the study is finished (look for the study results later this fall in Journal of Library Innovation), and the mobile reading landscape has changed significantly due to the introduction of many new and more versatile e-reading devices, especially tablets.
Coupled with the much-anticipated Google Play for Education store, the Nexus 7 bolsters Google’s growing claim to the K–12 tablet landscape.
OK, I admit it, I’m a hardware geek. I love hardware of virtually any variety — building, climbing, rafting — you name it. I have a thing for tools that just won’t quit. Plus, I’m quite aware of the importance of gear of many types. As I’ve said in the past, there are three things […]
The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) this month will unveil Connect at Central, a new 12,800 square-foot digital commons in the system’s main library. In addition, as a beta tester for OverDrive, SAPL will be experimenting with an installation of the company’s new OverDrive Media Station (OMS) interface on a ruggedized kiosk that could be deployed in public areas outside of a library.
The DC Public Library (DCPL) yesterday hosted the grand opening of its new Digital Commons and “Dream Lab” collaborative workspace. The new areas are designed to enhance the library system’s digital literacy efforts, while building relationships with local tech entrepreneurs.
Jason Griffey, head of library IT for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund expansions and upgrades for his open-source LibraryBox project. LibraryBoxen are self-contained, battery-powered, pocket-sized routers that enable wireless distribution of ebooks, images, and other digital content without an Internet connection.
