Pnla Creat & Comm 1

Growing Innovation in Libraries: Developing Labs for Learning, Research & Play - Pt. 1 Matt Gullett www. mattsnotes .com mgullett @ gmail .com Former: Emerging Technology Manager at Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

Definitions … I am very much afraid of definitions, and yet one is almost forced to make them. One must take care, too, not to be inhibited by them. -- Robert Delaunay

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

Story …

A tale, a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program or (maybe a game/interactive media).

Literacy …

"Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society.”

-- UNESCO

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 ??

Story Literacy Library Community Culture Technology

Shhhh! … observation

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"...

NY Times article, 7/2007

A Hipper Croud of Shushers which discusses a new breed of librarian

The concept of a library is changing.

It is a community that connects people and culture with

technology, literacy and story. These connections

create new communities and cultures.

In other words, it is becoming less of a passive

cultural collection to more of an interactive community

that facilitates learning and creativity.

Stories … My Story

Beginnings …

Something is going on … Libraries as Centers for Community Innovation Interactive Storytelling & Game Design 1993/4: First Internet Class at IU Government Info Specialty

Wanted to say … Yes!

Bloomington Public Library