Digital Media Labs In Libraries

Families share stories with each other and veterans reconnect with their comrades, while teens edit music videos and then upload them to the web: all this and more can happen in the digital media lab (DML), a gathering of equipment with which people create digital content or convert content that is in analog formats. Enabling community members to create digital content was identified by The Edge Initiative, a national coalition of leading library and local government organizations, as a library technology benchmark. Surveying academic and public libraries in a variety of settings and sharing a range of approaches to creating DMLs, this issue of Library Technology Reports points the way towards meeting that benchmark, showing Funding sources and amounts for 16 DML projects in a range of librariesLinks to sample policies and liability formsInformation on hardware, software, and websites for sound production, videography, graphic design, and animationHow to design a DML, addressing considerations such as power, noise prevention, ventilation, lighting, furniture, and moreConfiguration and equipment lists for 8 DMLs, ranging from portable to large librariesIn-depth profiles of 5 digital media labs compiled from an 11-question survey

Development of Creative Spaces in Academic Libraries: A Decision Maker's Guide includes innovative ways libraries are engaging students, including the practice of setting aside high-tech spaces for creativity. Five models of library creative spaces are explored in this book, including digital media labs, digital humanities labs, makerspaces, data visualization labs and knowledge markets. The book explores creative spaces currently offered in libraries, with a focus on academic libraries. It gives real-world advice for the process of crafting a new space in the library, including tactics on how to find campus partners, conduct a needs analysis, and answer important questions. Case studies of innovators of library creativity further highlight the successes—and pitfalls—of embarking on the process of developing a new service or space in the library. Shows administrators what other institutions are doing to enable media literacy Helps university library administrators determine their best course of action Provides detailed, unique case studies on up to 10 leading institutions, along with the service models they are providing

To keep school libraries relevant, their physical spaces need to be reinvented to mirror 21st-century learning models. This book will enable everyone from school librarians and principals to district-level administrators, architects, and interior planners of school library spaces to reconceptualize school libraries. School libraries provide invaluable benefits and services, but many of today's school administrators, parents, and students no longer see their value. Now most students have their own computing devices and the use of eBooks is on the rise; students can gather information anywhere, at any time. This book offers bold new ways to think about library spaces and suggests how libraries can provide the spaces needed to encourage students to explore learning. It also presents librarians with dynamic ideas and plans that can be used as a springboard for planning with school administrators, architects, and builders. The book identifies opportunities for creating spaces that support instructional models such as guided inquiry, examines technology skills needed after graduation, shows digital media hubs complementing maker spaces, and discusses how incorporating social media spaces into library design can encourage learning. The author guides librarians through the process of documenting the district learning goals in order to translate those specific goals into library space plans for an architect or interior designer. Readers will discover templates for flexible, up-to-date library designs that serve to not only improve students' learning and critical thinking skills but also to emphasize the modern school librarian's role in boosting academic achievement.

This is an ideal resource for joining the maker movement, no matter the size of your public library or resource level. Libraries of all sizes and resource levels are finding ways to support community innovation and creativity through maker programming—and successful programs don't require dedicating an entire area of the library to makerspace activities or sophisticated technologies such as 3D printers. Make It Here: Inciting Creativity and Innovation in Your Library provides a complete, step-by-step guide for starting a makerspace program at your library and follows through with instructions for operation and building on your success. This book takes you step-by-step through starting your maker program—from finding the right "makerspace mix," making a plan, and working with staff to establishing funding and support, launching your makerspace, and evaluating and refining your programs. The authors provide guidance based on their personal experiences in creating and developing maker programs in their libraries as well as feedback and lessons learned from library makers across the country. You'll see how easy it can be to bring their ideas to life in ways that will empower your community, and be encouraged to be bold and think outside of the box when imagining the possibilities.

The new essays on today's academic librarians examine above all their functions and responsibilities--since these have greatly changed just in recent years, especially in matters of technology. These librarians/essayists step away from yesterday's stereotypes and explain at length their new roles. From digital resources and special collections, to web development and new outreach initiatives, the topics covered by the essays in this book will reassure new librarians and stimulate prospective librarians as they realize the enhanced and varied positions that are available in the 21st century academic library.

Information systems are central to libraries, and managing information systems is critical to serving library communities. Both a textbook for LIS courses and a handbook for practitioners, this volume thoroughly addresses modern libraries' challenges of integrating information technology. Written by Joseph R. Matthews and Carson Block, both experts on library information systems, this book describes the evolution of library information systems, their enabling technologies, and today's dynamic IT marketplace. It explains specific technologies and related topics, including standards and standards organizations, telecommunications and networks, integrated library systems, electronic resource management systems, repositories, authentication and link verification, electronic resources, and nextgen library systems. Readers will also learn the latest about information systems management, covering technology planning, basic technology axioms, the impact of technology on library services, system selection and implementation, system usability, and general technology management. The final section considers current trends and future developments in LIS, including those related to mobile devices and apps as well as the growth of digital libraries.

Progress for the sake of progress is all too often a drain on precious time and resources. The communities and users that libraries serve are always changing; true innovation helps libraries adapt to meet their needs and aspirations both now and in the future. This stimulating collection offers numerous snapshots of innovation in action at a range of libraries, showcasing ideas and initiatives that will inspire librarians at their own institutions. Among the topics covered are The importance of creating organizational structures that lead to innovationStrategies for getting library staff and other stakeholders on board and engaged, complete with a step-by-step toolkit for achieving innovative outcomesWays to expand the library beyond its walls to deliver exceptional and innovative services to library usersMoney-saving initiatives that use technology to improve users’ experienceInnovative uses of library spaces, such as designing and implementing a digital media labExamples of creative programming, from running a C2E2-style comic convention, creating an “idea” forum, to re-envisioning a children’s writing club and launching Readtember, a month of literacy programs featuring zombies, dads, and gamingThis valuable sourcebook encourages readers to take big risks, ask deeper questions, strive for better service, and dream bigger ideas.

"Building and Operating a Digital Media Lab provides readers with the tools and information to create a successful Digital Media Lab, and also advice for bolstering staff support, budget tips, equipment recommendations, policies and procedures and much more! Packed with tips and tricks, this newest book in the Quick Reads series will be an invaluable reference for libraries considering building a DML" -- page [4] cover.