The
technology in the new Silver Spring Library is going to be one of the
outstanding features of the building. As you approach the building, a large
digital sign at the Wayne Avenue
entrance will identify the building and announce upcoming events. Of course, WIFI will be in the new building
but a commercial grade router will improve response time and stability. We expect WIFI users will notice the
difference immediately.
On the third
floor, the main library entrance, you will find the Digital Media Lab equipped
with MACs and PCs with the latest software, set up to allow you to create and
expand your learning experiences. While I am not able to name specific software
or hardware choices; I know that those customers interested in digital
photography will be pleased to find Photoshop and Adobe LightRoom for creating
beautiful projects.
We also plan
to have a Tech Bar where we will demonstrate the various devices the library
carries and to feature any new technologies in the marketplace. For example, if
a customer needs help using the library’s free e-books, they can visit the Tech
Bar, which will be equipped with comfortable seats, see a device demonstration,
and ask questions in a supported environment.
The internal
square footage of the library space is 60,000 square feet, three times our
current size. Staff will use a product called Vocera to maintain communication
across all three floors. As staff walk around and interact with customers, the
Vocera voice recognition device will allow them to alert colleagues on other
floors when assistance is needed.
The catalog computers customers use to locate
materials will be touch screens. Customers looking for DVD movies will use the
DVD media boxes on the third floor where there will be several boxes for
dispensing these popular materials.
I am always
available to answer questions that come up about the new library.
Fran Ware
Fran.Ware@montgomerycountymd.gov
Labels: Silver Spring, Silver Spring Library, Technology