Bridging the digital divide

Creating a collaborative learning environment for individuals, businesses, and students

One focus of the WPL Strategic Plan is to provide our customers greater access to technology. Currently, the Library provides thirty computers for public use. The access and services available on these computers vary and are defined below:

• Three computers provide restricted access to our online catalog and subscription databases
• Twenty-seven computers have full access to the Internet and the complete suite of Microsoft Office products
• One computer has full access to the Internet, the Microsoft Office suite, and a range of adaptive technologies for use by the hearing/sight impaired

At the time they were purchased, these products represented the cutting edge for technology in public libraries. This is no longer the case. With the advent of Web 2.0 technologies, the techno-savvy customers who frequent the Library are finding that we no longer meet their technology needs. Further, we are not able to expose our community to the 2.0 technologies and web-based products that are being introduced in the marketplace.

The current physical arrangement of our equipment is not conducive to the collaborative behaviors of our customers. Working in groups has become the way that may students and adults function within the technological environment of today. The proposed multimedia center will be designed to respond to these new behaviors.

The newly-designed space will provide a unique technological experience for WPL customers. The ability to collaborate with small groups of colleagues or friends will be highly valued, as will the concept of having quiet space for an individual seeking to create. The space will also provide us with the ability to host training classes so a certain amount of flexibility is designed into the space in order to accommodate the collaborative, individual, and classroom uses that will occur in the space. An added appeal will be the ability to hold a variety of training classes in the new space, including the possibility of hosting videoconferencing sessions/classes.

Characteristics:

• One sound-proof room for recording of video and sound
• Eight dedicated computer workstations (a combination of Mac and PC) with advanced processing capabilities to handle large sound and video files
• Large movable monitors for simplified viewing
• Color scanners
• Internet access
• CD/DVD burners
• Software for: digital photo manipulation; music composition (including keyboards); sound editing; video editing and sequencing, including “blue screen” capability; video capture from analog; graphics programs for layout work
• Digital video cameras, digital cameras, and digital voice recorders
• A communal color printer with print management technology to charge for printouts
• Color photocopier
• Videoconferencing technology
• Smart Board technology
• Movable work tables to allow for group collaboration or for individuals who need larger workspaces
• Soft seating for additional collaboration/meeting space

The entire concept of the multimedia center addresses “LIBRARY SERVICE RESPONSE #1: COMMONS” from the Library’s Strategic Plan as part of the first goal, “The Library will offer a warm, welcoming gathering place for all in an effort to serve the social, recreational, and technological needs of area residents.” The related objective reads, “Customers will have access to two additional open areas -- public gathering spaces that invite conversation and discussion -- and at least one new means of electronic assembling by 2009.” The proposed multimedia center supports the specific activities outlined in the strategic plan:

Activities:

• Gather space re-allocation ideas from architectural firms
• Explore the potential of the courtyard to provide more public gathering space
• Consider adding areas for group and/or quiet study
• Investigate feasibility of adding a computer lab
• Consider adding videoconferencing capability to the meeting rooms

All in all, the concept of developing this space has a number of attractive benefits for the Library and the community. The Library thanks the WPL Foundation for working to secure the funding to develop this space.

For further information about the Multimedia Center Capital Campaign, contact Library Director C. Allen Nichols at 330-335-1299 or allen@wadsworthlibrary.com.