[Web4lib] New branch library with cool stuff

[SIMINITUS, JACQUELYN E (ATTPB)]

Tina,
Your topic is a fun one.  A year or so ago I started a blog to collect
cool stuff.  It is called "2CoolTools" -- see
http://2CoolTools.blogspot.com

Each year at ALA Conference, LITA has a program on Top 10 Technology
Trends.  That is not exactly what you are asking, but that is good to
check out.

Here are some cool stuff that I've seen:

*	Podcasts, E-books and eAudio books.

*	Virtual Reference.  For example, InfoEyes is a Q & A service for
people with a visual impairment (www.infoeyes.org) 

*	IP Video -- streamed and archived video delivered on-demand,
including webcasts, videoconferences, environmental monitoring and
surveillance for preservation of special library archives and
collections.  

*	Digital Reference: Instant messaging and desktop videoconference
reference. 

*	Videoconferencing: Libraries offer educational programs, guest
lecturers, and electronic field trips.  The equipment is mostly used for
professional development and administrative meetings among branches or
regional consortiums. 

*	Library Virtual Tours: Many libraries offer 360 degree virtual
tours.  This allows members of the community to get familiar with the
library before actually visiting for the first time.  

I'm particularly interested in specific examples of wireless handheld
devices in libraries.  For Roaming Reference librarians, shelf-checkers,
inventory control, and such. 

- Jackie
**********************
Jackie Siminitus, MLS 
AT&T Library Advocate
415-644-7112 : jacquelyn.siminitus at att.com
Knowledge Network Explorer, www.kn.att.com
Blue Web'n Library, www.kn.att.com/wired/bluewebn/
http://2CoolTools.blogspot.com; http://Advocate4Libraries.blogspot.com

http://SchoolLibraryLearning2.blogspot.com 
http://ClassroomLearning2.blogspot.com  

 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Scott, Tina
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 6:38 AM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Web4lib] New branch library with cool stuff

Hi,
 
Our library system is getting a new 20,000 sq. ft. library next year and
I am querying this list to see if there are other libraries using the
technology that we want to install.  We currently use Pharos to allow
patrons to sign up for computers and print their own jobs.  Currently we
have a dual monitor set up with the queue displaying on the top screen
and patron signup on the bottom.  This works for now, but if you can't
see "far away" it is not useful.  However, it works for now.  In the new
library we want to have very large monitors suspended from the ceiling
around the rooms that patrons can view without having to walk up to a
desktop monitor.  We knew we could accomplish that, but then had the
idea that it would be nice to have other data display on that screen as
well to promote programs, news, etc.  We solicited a preliminary quote
for what AV needs we wanted and our city's regular AV vendor provided us
with prices on a Crestor MediaManager system.  Here are my questions:
 
Has anyone had any experience with the Crestor MediaManager system?
 
Does your library currently have a comparable system that displays
rotating current information for patrons on a screen?  If so, what
system is that and how do you like it?
 
We have written up a preliminary RFP since this is a large purchase and
are unsure of what is available out there.  Any information you can pass
along would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thank you,
 
Tina Scott
 
 <mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org>  

Library Systems Administrator 
Portsmouth Public Library 
601 Court St., Portsmouth, VA 23704 
757-393-8501, x32      Fax: 757-397-4235 
http://www.portsmouthpubliclibrary.org/ 

 
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