A participatory workshop exploring different ways libraries and other community spaces can use digital technologies to provide engaging and interactive user experiences. Held at Deptford Lounge.

1. Reimaging community
& library spaces
A sandbox workshop by Artefacto

2. Inspiring user experiences
Making libraries a place of wonder, discovery,
learning and community
● interaction between visitor and collection
● Easy access to knowledge and learning
● Community space! For and by the community

3. Today’s outline
Inspiration from the library world, the
community and emerging technologies
➔ Makerspaces & creative learning
Libraries as creator spaces
➔ Library as community space
Proximity & mobile technologies in the
library
➔ Reimagining the library
experience - improve 1 thing
Task - work collaboratively to start to
reimagine your library service

4. Makerspaces and digital making at
the library
What is a makerspace anyway?

7. Digital technology can support people to be
‘makers’ rather than consumers and makerspaces
& the internet offer a platform for sharing and
collaborating on a personal, social, cultural,
political or economical level
MAKERS, NOT CONSUMERS

8. Maker Movement recommended books

9. “Makerspaces are collaborative learning
environments where people come together to
share materials and learn new skills”
Library as incubator project

10. Makerspaces
UK-Nesta
Hackspaces around the world

11. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
● 3d Printers
● Laser Cutters
● Electronics
● Microprocessors
● Robotics
● VR, AR
WHAT’S NEW?

12. WHAT’S NEW? INTERNET RESOURCES
● Thingiverse
● Instructables
● Makezine
● DIY.org
● Hackaday
● Howtoons

13. Libraries & making
❖ Places of accessing and interacting with digital content
❖ Digital literacy is a (rapidly) moving target
❖ Equity of access

14. Speed making!
(Try out some different maker technologies)

15. 2. Examples
An introduction to some technologies
commonly found in makerspaces and
creative labs
➔ 3D printing
Digital fabrication and additive
manufacturing
➔ Electronics & invention kits
Using LittleBits and Makey Makey and
other electronics kits to create and
learn with
➔ Read all about it

16. Other emerging
technologies
For introducing new and better user experiences

17. Proximity and internet of things
(iOT)
Connected devices and other objects that react (or
trigger) and change according to your location
● NFC - Near Field Communication
● Beacons - iBeacon and Eddystone
● WiFi - connecting things together

18. Augumented Reality
AN ENHANCED VERSION OF
REALITY CREATED BY THE USE OF
TECHNOLOGY TO OVERLAY
DIGITAL INFORMATION
ON AN IMAGE OF SOMETHING
BEING VIEWED THROUGH A
DEVICE (SUCH AS A SMARTPHONE
CAMERA)
Source: Merriam-Webster

19. But you may be able to think
of other examples

20. 2. Inspiration
Some amazing projects happening in libraries
and other cultural spaces around the world
➔ Creative learning spaces
Makers in the library, active and peer
learning
➔ Improving and expanding
services
Open source hardware to create and
learn with
➔ No two libraries are the same
User-focused innovation, not just shiny
new things

21. The Edge - State
Library of Queensland
- Digital Media Lab
- Fabrication Lab
- Loan Equipment
- Recording Studio
- Window Bays
Digital Media Lab
“Connect to new networks, opportunities and collaborators
through The Edge”.

22. Tech Step 3
Located on the ramp of Dokk1
introduction of new technology and
development of new ideas with
citizens.
https://dokk1.dk/hvem-
bor-her/itk/tech-trin-3

23. Art at the library
● Writer's Residency at Gladstone’s
Library
● Get it Loud in Libraries
● Art in Libraries - London Borough
of Richmond
Image by Newton Grafitti on Flickr

24. Reminiscence sessions
E.g. ‘Memories Shared’ North
Somerset
“ a digital reminiscence project where
historic images of North Somerset
have been digitised and stored on
tablets. The tablets are used in
reminiscence sessions with older
people and those living with dementia.
Reminiscence activities can contribute
to improve the wellbeing of people
with dementia.”
Photo : Librariesweek.org.uk
(CILIP)

25. Oral history projects
● Speaking Out - Glasgow Women’s
Library
● National Life Stories at the British
Library
● NYPL Community Oral History
Project - New York Public Library
● Lewisham Voices
http://lewishamvoices.wikidot.co
m/
E.g. HistoryPin > https://www.historypin.org/

26. Beacon-enabled
treasure box
Made by Jen Looper.
Find out more
at:
https://www.hacks
ter.io/agent-hawkin
g-1/create-a-beaco
n-enabled-treasure
-box-085314

27. Lots more
➔ Repair cafes
➔ Collaborations
➔ VR Pods
➔ Knit and Natter
➔ Crypto parties
➔ privacy workshops
➔ Data hack days
➔ Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour

28. Design thinking
An iterative approach to service design that
allows for lots of user input and gradual
improvements

29. Design
thinking

30. Look
more
like
this..

31. Iterate. And then
iterate again.

32. 3. Your challenge
(if you should choose to accept it)
Pick 1 or 2 ways you could improve the user
experience for people who visit the space.
➔ Remove barriers to information
Help users get what they need when
they need it
➔ Provide an awesome and
engaging experience
Make the visit to the library something
special and valuable to the visitor.
(inspire the visitor or other staff)

33. Improve 1 thing
Reimagining the
library experience
Tip
This doesn’t have to be
the final version, just the
beginning of an idea that
you can implement -- a
first step

34. Ideas, possibilities, challenges
YOU CAN USE THE
ONE PAGE
CANVAS MODEL
TEMPLATE
Source: https://strategyzer.com/canvas/business-model-canvas

35. Thanks!
www.librarymakers.net
libraries.newslet.org
www.artefacto.org.uk
@katelomax
kate@artefacto.org.uk
@Carlitosi71