Library 2.0:Creativity & Community

Matt Gullett

Emerging Technology Manager

Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

Terminology … Definitions

What is a Library?

A library is a collection of information, sources, resources and services, organized for use, and maintained by a public body,

an institution, or a private individual.

-- from Wikipedia

The library is traditionally thought of as a collection of books used for reading or study, or the building or room in which

such a collection is kept.

-- from Encyclopedia Britannica

Interlude …

Shhhh! …

• Recent Charlotte Observer article, 6/10/07– QUIET? PLEASE! LIBRARIES SHELVE OLD IMAGE– When Bill Otto visited the Matthews branch of the public library not too

long ago, he found everything he needed.– Except quiet. Otto, 64, says he heard cell phones ringing. Children

working with tutors. Loud conversations.– Librarians - the same people who used to hiss "shhhh!" at noisemakers

- didn't seem to mind.– Libraries, they say, are moving away from silent, forbidding places and

redefining themselves as "destination"...

• Recent NY Times article, 7/2007– A Hipper Croud of Shushers which discusses a new

breed of librarian

A few more definitions …

Community:is a social group of organisms

sharing an environment, normally with shared interests. In human

communities, intent, belief, resources, preferences, needs,

risks and a number of other conditions may be present and

common, affecting the identity of the participants and their degree

of cohesiveness.

Culture: generally refers to patterns of human

activity and the symbolic structures that give such activity significance. Anthropologists understand "culture" to refer not only to consumption goods, but to the general processes which produce such goods and give them meaning, and to the social relationships and practices in which such objects

and processes become embedded. For the, culture thus includes technology, art, science, as well as

moral systems.

Technology: is the broad concept that deals with

a species' usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how that usage and knowledge affects its ability to control and adapt to an environment. However, a strict definition is elusive; "technology" can refer to material

objects of use to humanity, such as machines, hardware or utensils, but can also encompass broader themes, including systems, methods

of organization, and techniques.

Comments … Thoughts ??

LibraryCommunity

Culture Technique/Technology

The concept of a library is changing.

It is a community institution that connects people

and culture by means of techniques/technologies

to create new communities and ultimately cultures.

In other words, it is becoming less of a passive

collection to more of an interactive collection that

facilitates learning and creativity.

So What … My Story

Who am I to say such things?

• A little bit about my journey/career path– Grew up across street from library– Parents business owners in creative fields– Undergraduate studies in Econ & History

• Had a little computer programming• Interested in dial up & community/free networks

– Worked in B&N University Bookstore after college– Off to graduate school in LIS - Seeing the future– Interested in Gov’t Information – Illinois State University: Art Technology program– Wanted to say yes … Went to Public Library

Bloomington Public Library

Bloomington Public Library

• Project Next Generation• Students Involved with Technology Conference & BN

Film Fest

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Bloomington Public Library Game Fest

BPL Technology programming

• Digital Literacy

• Recreational classes

• Photography

• Video/film

• Animation

• Web Sites

• Game Making

Interesting Take on Our Role(s):Community Technology Centers

• PrairieNet UIUC• NorthStarNet SkokieNet and others • Bloomington Public Library• Small Public Libraries• Oberlin Public Library• Gridley Public Library

Gaming at the Library

• 2004-05

• Bloomington Public Library

• Ann Arbor District Library

• Many Others

Games, Learning & Libraries

• 2005

• 2007

Games, Learning & Libraries

Gaming and literacy experts James Paul Gee and Henry Jenkins keynoted the event by exploring how libraries fit into the intersection of gamingand the digital learning landscape. Gregory Trefry,a game designer from GameLab, explored librariesand the concept of "big games," while socialcomputing expert and gamer Liz Lawley providedcontext and a broad view for the topics discussed.

Interlude …

Other Related Stories …

• Libraries as community innovators– My library … copy machine, computers …– Warren Bennis quote from an article on

change management, innovation & leadership?

– Concept of Library as Lab: PLCMC’s Studio i, Game/Learning & Media Labs, Louisville Free’s Innovation Lab, & Children’s Transformation Lab from a Public Library in Denmark (video)

Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County(PLCMC) & ImaginOn

PLCMC’s ImaginOn

Shanachie Tour …

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More Stuff …

• Discovery Bar

• Game Lab

• Training Room

• Learning Lab

• Media Lab

PLCMC’s Experimental Game Lab

PLCMC’s “Gaming Zone”

• Began 2004-2005 as an Adult Event• 2006 Received a LSTA Grant to Research

Game Lab … Activity

Game Lab Internships

Second Life & Libraries

• Complete online community with cultural programs, businesses, recreation, buildings, property, and services

• 5,000 visitors per day to the Alliance Information Archipelago

• 2-3,000 teen visitors a day to the Eye4You Alliance island

Second Life: Eye4You

Library as Innovation Lab

Children’s Transformation Lab

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Interlude to … Library/Learning 2.0

Learning 2.0 is a discovery learning program designed to encourage staff to explore new technologies and reward them for doing 23Things. Since the program's launched, it has fostered Learning 2.0 programs all over theworld.