The document summarizes the Mobile Digital Media Lab (MDML) at the Fulton County Public Library (FCPL). It describes how the MDML was created to serve the library's largely rural population by taking technology and media classes directly to patrons. It provides an overview of the MDML's history and services, from its origins in a grant-funded project to its current weekly classes and outreach efforts. It envisions expanding the MDML's reach through additional community and business partnerships to promote creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy.
Creating a Digital Media Space for Today's Teens: Part 2 (August 2017)
Pk notes
1. Intro
MDML @ FCPL-
And me…
And you…
When we think about libraries and what we do
on a daily basis, we are urged to promote value
and all the while establish a connection with
the library user. This presentation will focus on
the Mobile Digital Media Lab (MDML) at Fulton
County Public Library (FCPL), as well as our
past, our present and our future as librarians.
2. Classroom- 2
• Well, some have said there are no original ideas.
• Primary purpose = audience, the people we serve…The
idea for the MDML came from the Skokie P.L. “Digital
Media Lab”
• Focusing on our audience- FCPL serves a largely rural
population. So, when we created the lab, we had to
make it portable and take the lab to the people if
necessary.
• Just a year before the MDML, there were no
technology classes at FCPL
• old & slow public laptops to teach these classes and
build an audience.
3. Lightbulb
• Idea came- Maker Culture
– People create things using imagination and
technology
• Library as 3rd Place- Ray Oldenburg
• Library as Create Space
• Meet wants and needs of the people
4. Doors to Grant
• Wrote LSTA grant for library school project
• Submitted it by Feb 10
• Awarded April 2
• Create the lab
– Planning
– Implementation
– Purchase Orders
– Crossing T’s and Dotting I’s
• Continue to offer classes, start promotion for
MDML
5. Flyer
• Design, marketing, promotion, Advertisement
• Lots of gadgets
– 6 HP laptops, 2 MacBooks, iPad, Avid Mbox Pro,
Tascam portable recorder, Blue Yeti USB-Mic,
Audio/Video analog-digital Converter, LaCie Rugged
External
• Learning Curve
– Hardware
– Software
• Originally use Open Source software
– Audacity, GIMP, OpenOffice.org
• Used TechSoup.org to purchase software
– MS Office 2010
– Adobe Creative Suite 6
6. Ghoulie iPad
• Word of Mouth
• Using Technology in classes
• Adapting class schedule
• Give people classes they want
– Social Media
– MS Office 2010
• Offer people what they need
– Basics Classes
7. Past, Present, Future
• Radio stations transmit out of PL
– Nashville PL & WPLN
• Now library and even remote sites offer
creation of audio, video, blogs
• What do we mean to people today?
• Library as 3rd place
8. FCPL History
• Library used to take it to the people
• Bookmobiles
• Protests in the street
• Before MDML no tech classes
• Now steadily getting 6-10 people per class
9. Takin’ it to the people
• We now offer Tuesday evening & Thursday
Morning weekly classes at the (main)
Rochester branch of the FCPL
• Expanded out to offer basics classes at both of
our branches- Aubbee & Fulton
• Outreach to local libraries in Akron and
Kewanna, Indiana to start.
• More to come
– Schools
– Community Organizations
– Businesses
10. 4Cs
• Creation- audio, video, blogs, art
– audio and video conversion and recording- both
“studio quality” multiple track recording, but also
live recording and live local performances, or even
a coffee shop open mic at the library itself.
• Collaboration- we work together
• Communication- Skype, G+ Hangout, blogs,
social media
• Convergence upon place or service
11. Macbook
• The portability of the MDML lends itself to use not only
within the library community, but especially as a learning
tool for local community/not-for-profit organizations, and
even business training on site. We hope to collaborate with
other local organizations and businesses, and to continue
to offer the same great level of service to our users. The
MDML is all about Creation, Communication and
Collaboration, and ultimately will result in convergence and
increased information/technology literacy training. The
possibilities are endless, and hopefully as time goes on, you
will see the possibilities in your library, and continue to
meet the people with what they want and need…
12. Lab image- Imagine the Possibilities
• Recognize this?
• Overcome tech limitations for staff
• Rethink the way we do things
• Be there to teach and learn along the way
• Not fixed…Lab can go anywhere
• Set up to serve one-on-one training & up to 12
(for comfort) in a classroom (2 per computer)
13. Classroom Configuration
• Usually set up 6 HP laptops in a circle
– I get dizzy
• Projector
• Classroom in any location
• Libraries
• Local non-profits/community organizations
• Schools
• Local Business (suggested donation to Friends)
14. Tech Classes
• Computer Basics I & II • Communication
• Internet Basics • Digital Photography
• E-Mail Basics • Digi- Photo Editing
• MS Office • Audio creation
• Social Media • Podcasting
– Facebook • Vidcasting
– Pinterest • eReaders/Tablets
– Twitter
15. Create Space
• Music- live recording, Multi-Track Recording
• Audio/Video conversion- Analog>Digital
• Blogging
• Vidcasting
• Podcasting
• Meet the needs of the people-
• Tailor classes to what is requested by patrons
17. Live Performances
• Two ILF conferences in a row- live music at the
library-
– Batesville Memorial PL After Hours Concert Series
– Lebanon PL Coffee Shop Open Mic
• Using existing equipment
– PA
– Video Recording
• Plays, Concerts, Public Events- Post it on
Library Website, Archive it…
18. Einstein Slide
• “Imagination is more important than
knowledge…” –Albert Einstein
• “If you will it, it is no dream” – Theodor
Hurzel, & Walter from The Big Lebowski
• Given the opportunity, what could you
imagine?
19. We’re just getting started…
• Persistence is key
• Continue to offer classes, even in a drought
• Seeking collaboration with schools
– Tech schools in our area- offer free training to
teachers, workshops for students
– Continue to create value in the library
• Regardless of how swamped we are, we must
continue to seek out new relationships
– Users, local org’s, local business
• To be continued