Using LCD digital sign technology to enlighten patrons about library resources and services

Marianne HebertKeith CompeauSUNY PotsdamSUNYLA2009

Campus-wide Emergency Notification

Chancellor’s Task Force on Critical Incident Management “Recommendation: Campuses should implement a mass notification

system which can rapidly disseminate an alert via both audible (siren, horn) and visual (message display, strobe light) means. Recommendation: Campuses should implement a mass notification system which can rapidly disseminate an alert via both audible (siren, horn) and visual (message display, strobe light) means.”

“Text display panels should be strategically located within buildings at major event or meeting locations (gym, cafeteria, etc.) or within all campus building entry-ways.”

Student Affairs and Public Affairs wanted them

Hardware Selection & Installation

CTS RPF and selection process◦BroadSign◦Ryarc CampaignManager◦WireSpring FireCast◦Helius◦Carousel

Installation of network cables and hardwareConfiguration of Carousel (permissions, channels

and zones)

Digital Sign Costs

System software and hardware

Enterprise System $4,381.25

RSS Feed Plugin $325.00

HP Server $2,061.00

MS SQL Server $1,028.74

MS Server 2005 $78.10

TOTAL $7,874.09

Each Digital Sign

TV $999.00

Player $2,637.50

Tuner $342.00

Wall mount $99.00

Balun $559.75

TOTAL $4,637.25

First you need a Committee Working Group Charge To recommend:

◦ guidelines for library content;◦ an initial display;◦ administrative procedures and;◦ responsibility for creating and implementing content;◦ a "go live" date.

Policy issues◦ Purpose of the signs – beyond emergency notification◦ Target Audience - SUNY Potsdam students, faculty, staff and visitors ◦ External content – should we post content from departments, etc.?◦ Responsibility for management – Content coordinator and backup

WG Recommendation

Content Ideas

Brainstorming A short list…content ideas listCensorship

Samples Slides

Sample Slides

Sample Slides

Sample Slides

Sample Slides

Library vs Campus Policy

Stakeholders and who has oversightWho is responsible for accuracy of

submitted contentCensorship issues (e.g. Extreme Lengths)

Some students found this to be disturbing

Administration Issues

Primary and Backup CoordinatorsNaming ConventionsFeasibility of “external” contentManaging uploaded slidesGetting it to work…clock, events, RSS

feeds

More Administration

Sharing content with other campus unitsWorkload concernsChannels, zones, etc.Timing (3 zones on different times) Web version of digital sign

Design Elements

FontsAspect ratiosDisplay differences between Powerpoint

on PC and JPEG on LED screen

Templates

Engaging staff to develop contentNetwork folder and drop boxPotsdam Reads

Copyright, Trademarks

Public Domain Sources of imagesALA READ TrademarkSUNY Potsdam READS

Survey of Library Patrons

IRB process (CITI Training)Photo/Participation Waiver formsTwo part survey

◦web survey and Photo/Story projectInstitutional Advancement web form4 Days; 2 hour slotsTables and laptops in Crumb Lobby83 respondents, 34 Photo/Stories

Survey Results

Semi-scientific analysis◦One topical TAG assigned to each comment (e.g.

Resources, Services, Building, Library Hours). ◦ If several topics were mentioned, we added a tag for

just the first topic mentioned◦ If comments were not specific, or “I don’t know”,

they were tagged “No comment” ◦Comments like “helpful staff” were assigned to

Reference

Q3. What have you learned about the College Libraries resources and services from the digital signs?Building 2%Campus 5%Chat Ref 2%Computers 2%Events 3%Facts 5%Hours2%

Jokes 5%Reference 8%Resources 14%Services 6%Time/Weather 8%No comment 51%

What have you learned comments

I have learned about the "ask a librarian" service online. Also all of the books that the librarians have [read] recently.

That the computers now have more RAM in themI learned about the use of different sources.

Primary and secondary for example. The signs have helped me to realize how vast the

libraries resources actually are.

Q4. What type of information would you like to see more of on the library's digital signs? Building 4%Campus 8%Events 27%Facts 8%Food 1%Hours 1%

Jokes 1%News 3%Resources 13%Same 8%Services 12%No Comment 13%

What would you like to see? comments.

A map of the library to find everything easier. Events, Emergency notices like classes cancelled or other

important news More random facts! Interesting information about

authors! Whenever and where ever free food is served Maybe if there are more jokes and more useful or

interesting info like applications science in our daily life. Current holdings or new additions--directing me to

interesting reading.

Q5 What do you know about the College Libraries that you think all students should know?

Archives 1%Building 5%Computers 15%Hours 6%Reference 8%

Resources 24%Services 17%Study 14%No comment 7%

What do you know? comments We have an archive and special collection and inter-library loan is

great! That there are basement stacks and group study areas in the

basement There are additional computers downstairs. Respect the quiet

areas. Don’t steal! The help you can get from the nice librarians at the reference

desk, interlibrary loan service How to use peer reviewed articles, how to access them from the

internet, inter library loan. The stacks are an amazing place to snoop around in.

Q6 Tell us your story. Do you have a moment or story in which the library was really helpful or useful to you?

Archives 3%Computers 9%Hours 1%Reference 28%

Resources 13%Services 4%Study 27%No Comment 13%

Tell us your story comments

The library is my boyfriend, we spend sometimes apart but he is always in my heart.

I was trying to open a document and I could not get it open so a lady at the desk came over and get it open..

Yes, I procrastinated my project and the night before the library had the perfect book for me.

The reference desk is awesome! Extremely helpful! The stacks are the reason I'm passing most of my

upper division classes.

Q7b What content from other campus digital signs be included on the College Library Digital Signs?Activities 15%Emergencies 3%Events 59%Off-campus 5%Other offices 5%No comments 12%

Content from other campus signs commentsThe important stuff, add drop dates and that kind

of stuff.Any kind of stress relievers like intramurals etc. Events, happenings, better weather information Emergency notices Upcoming events with some academic link. None

of the club advertisements where members hold up signs and dance around.

Q8b What content from College Libraries digital signs be included on other Campus digital signs?

Archives 2% Events 9% General 23% Hours 19% Jokes 2%

Resources 4% Services 17% Time/Weather 4% No Comment 17%

Library content on other signs comments

Website url, ask a librarian aim name and such.Book series, recent acquisitions and special events. Library hours, information about research help and

consultations All of it especially the Chuck Norris quote How to find books and articles always seems to

come up in conversation Services available, special hours they might be

open say during finals week.

Q9 Do you have any other suggestions for our digital signs?

Campus 2%Dislike 10%Events 2%Format 14%Fun 4%General 4% Hours 2%

Location 4%News 4%Resources 4%Same 10%No comment 35%

Other suggestions? Comments

I think they are a waste of our tuition dollars and could be more efficiently spend.

Have it grab peoples attention. Make it fun! =) Study tips are good Place them lower so they are more noticeable. Are there any photos of library workers assisting students? Or

students working together in groups? Action shots could target a few passersby in a way that some psychedelic slides do not.

LARGER WORDS. if I don’t wear my glasses I cant see the tiny writing

Library Response to Survey

YouTube Video of Photo/Story ProjectLibrary News Blog

Questions?

Location of this presentation: http://www2.potsdam.edu/hebertm/sunyla09.html

Marianne Hebert hebertm@potsdam.eduKeith Compeau compeakw@potsdam.edu