Category Archives: Libraries

Libraries, Presentations

ILF 2012 Conference Panel: Digital Content

Just got back from presenting at the Indiana Library Federation Conference in Indianapolis regarding Digital Content. The presentation in front of 100+ attendees went wonderful. I did rush myself a bit so we could get to the Q&A and was thankful that I did because we had some good questions. I hope to post the audio soon.

The big takeaways were:

  • Libraries should embrace the communities that support and encourage sharing (public domain, copyleft, copyfree)
  • A hardware/software solution needs to be implemented to help patrons interface with these resources (e.g. Archive.org) similar to the Freedom Toaster
  • The cost to libraries for digital content is roughly the same for paper content

You can download a copy of the ILF Conference 2012 handout here.

If you want to continue reading about the movement that encourages engagement vs. passivity please check out these books (free downloads):

Libraries

YOUMedia – How Libraries are Engaging the 21st Century

I came across an article about the new (at least to me) YOUMedia section of various Chicago Public Libraries.

YOUmedia was created to connect young adults, books, media, mentors, and institutions throughout the city of Chicago in one dynamic space designed to inspire collaboration and creativity.

I have been working with the West Lafayette Public Library to bring about similar ideas to capture the attention and patronage of the West Lafayette youth.

I believe we will have success if we offer digital media creation stations/units and a free/open software education curriculum, including a Freedom Toaster-esq station.

You can read more about YOUMedia here: