Presentation for NCompass Live Brian Pichman of the Evolve Project is the man behind the scenes, transforming how libraries engage with technology. Here at the Commission, he helped a lot with the Tech Kits Through the Mail. If you’ve gotten a kit from us, it’s because he tracks tech trends, works with tech gadget startups, and helps build solid strategies to connect communities with transformative technology. Honestly, he’s helped me a lot over the years. But I can’t be selfish. I decided to share his expertise with you all! Turns out Brian does way more than I ever knew possible. In this session we will get Brian talking about all the cool things he has going on: Explore how his pilot programs of new games & gadgets are shaping the future of libraries through makerspaces, innovation spaces, and leading edge programming Learn how Brian helps libraries embrace AI, VR and AR to revolutionize library services and enhance accessibility and engagement for all. Discover his passion for open-source solutions to drive positive change, and his recent endeavors with ByWater Solutions, a leading provider of open-source library software. Dig into his work with libchalk, a web hosting platform designed specifically to help libraries host digital content, websites, courses, and online resource libraries. The real question is, what doesn’t he do? He can help your library too. Find out how.

1. Shaping the Libraries of
the Future
Brian Pichman
Director of Strategic Innovation

2. Been around libraries all my life

4. So then I got a job … it would be fun they said

6. What Started
It All..

7. If you build it they will come

9. New Idea • Changing the way people see libraries

10. Partnerships
Finding Start Up Companies and
helping them pilot within library
spaces

14. Technology Trade Shows
• Attend, promote, and share

15. What We Need
• Pilot Programs
• Test out new technology and provide feedback
• Sharing of Stories
• Share what you’ve accomplished
• What you plan on doing next
• Sharing the idea of collaboration with libraries
• Libraries are instrumental as it relates to building communities and
connecting people to “resources” which can be anything from people to
places to space to technology.

16. Tech For All

17. Learning Differences
• Alzheimer’s
• Dementia
• Dyslexia
• ADHD.

18. Serenity
Rooms
What should this room look
like?

19. Task Management
Rosie 2.0 Voice Controlled Alarm Clock vs an
Alexa/Google Home
Program your own “Google Kit” loaded with library
related questions and answers
https://www.mindcarestore.com/rosie-voice-controlled-alarm-clock-p/mc-0044.htm

20. Wall Clocks
Simplified clocks for senior rooms
https://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimers-day-date-flip-clock-p/mc-0048.htm

21. Pets In The Library?!
• Using dolls or animated pets
like teddy bears can reduce
stress, agitation, and
depression in these
individuals.
• Caregivers can use pet
therapy to reintroduce
responsibility, care, and
structure into the lives of
those with dementia.
• Introduction of realistic dolls
or pets should be done
carefully in a controlled
environment.
• Dolls and pets can help non-
verbal individuals initiate
speech.
• Pet therapy provides joy and
companionship, particularly
for those with Alzheimer's,
dementia, or severe anxiety.

22. Examples
https://www.mindcarestore.com/doll-pet-therapy-dementia-s/1516.htm

23. Interactive Memory Recall
•These boards offer a sense of purpose and
engagement by providing familiar activities.
•Activities like latches, laces, clasps, zippers, and
locks are both enjoyable and mentally
stimulating.
•The therapy board combines everyday items
into a portable and dignified activity for loved
ones with memory loss.
•It respects the dignity of aging adults and is
suitable for anyone who enjoys hands-on tasks.
https://www.mindcarestore.com/Busy-Work-Activity-Board-Alzheimers-p/mc-0207.htm

24. Fiddle Mitts
• Fur Fiddle Muff: Designed for Alzheimer's,
Dementia, and Autism.
• Features include furry exterior, sensory
gadgets, and ID tag.
• Promotes sensory stimulation, reduces anxiety
and depression, and fosters social interaction.
• Enhances independence and emotional
expression.
• Easy-to-clean, high-quality materials.
• Encourage personalization and engagement.

25. Setting Up These Programs
• Circulation:
• Let people borrow them for a
month loans
• Provide instruction cards for care
or use
• Caregivers' vs Users are important
and will have different directions
for each
• In Library Events
• Set up a quiet space and have
these items on display for use
• Library program where people sit
in a circle and pass around items
and talk about them

26. Other
Engagement Ideas
Learning New Languages

27. Accessibility Defined
• Text to Speech
• Larger Text
• Voice Control
• Should these things be easy to use AT
your library (computers, displays, etc)
• How can you teach patrons how to set
these things up for their personal use?

28. Conversation Game:
Call To Mind
• Enhances Library Programs:
Promotes meaningful
conversations and understanding
among library visitors, including
those with Dementia.
• Intergenerational Engagement:
Facilitates interaction between
different age groups, making it an
inclusive and enjoyable library
activity.
https://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-game-for-alzheimers-p/mc-h012.htm

29. Interactive Memory
Game: Thumball
• Enriching Library Programs: Enhances
dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and
promotes physical activity.
• Engages Library Visitors: Encourages
group discussions and interaction by
prompting questions and sharing
answers.
• Options for Variety: Available in
IceBreakers or Move Your Body
Thumball, catering to diverse interests
and needs in library settings.
https://www.mindcarestore.com/thumball-memory-activity-p/mc-h009.htm

30. Memory Game: Shake
Loose A Memory Game
• Promotes Memory Recall: Designed for
seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's,
featuring simplified life-questions.
• Inclusive and Positive: Encourages
discussion and sharing without keeping
score, fostering success and recalling
positive memories.
• Ideal for Library Programs: A great
addition to library activities for seniors,
fostering engagement and
reminiscence.
https://www.mindcarestore.com/shake-loose-a-memory-game-p/mc-0339-0004.htm

31. Empowering
Independence
• Smart home devices, voice-activated
systems, mobile apps for daily
assistance.
• Inspiring story: individual gaining
independence with smart technology at
home.
• Emotional impact: autonomy, control
over environment.

32. Caregiver Support
• Legal Classes / Workshops
• Power of Attorney
• Wills
• Support Workshops
• Emotional Support
• Public Resources Available
• Supportive Community

33. Resources and
Information
• Make use of your collection
• Often this is a sensitive topic so
suggesting private bags of books
when requested
https://www.alzstore.com/alzheimers-dementia-dvds-s/2065.htm

34. Books

35. New Idea
Web Hosting for libraries

36. Hosting Library Sites

37. AI Tools • https://links.evolveproject.org/aidemo

38. ByWater Solutions
Open Source solutions that maximize patron satisfaction

39. Open Source
● Less secure
● IT staff is necessary
● Little support
● Anyone Can Change the code!
● Quickly identified and fixed
● Outside Support readily available
● A worldwide community of users
● Require multiple levels of approval

41. Aspen

44. Q and A
• Brian Pichman
• Evolve Project
• bpichman@evolveproject.org