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Technology and User Experience Annual Report 2013

! To: ! ! Louise Berry! From: ! ! John Blyberg

! This has been an exciting year for Darien Library and the User Experience department.

We’ve made a number of significant changes and upgrades to our facilities and infrastructure,have initiated some interesting programs, and added some great new services.! Last October, we were all affected by Superstorm Sandy. While we were unable toremain open during the storm, we were able to open shortly after it passed and after power was

restored. Luckily, our network service came backonline quickly and by the time we opened ourdoors to those seeking shelter, power, and internetaccess, we were fully operational. Thanks to theconnection we have with the ConnecticutEducation Network, we were able to provideuninterrupted internet access during the recovery.! We are well underway with our conversion

to virtual desktops. We have converted theTechnology Center and will complete conversion ofthe Power Library in October. The virtual PCsprovide us the flexibility to rapidly deploy and

update applications on the desktop. Additionally, they are much greener than the old, largetowers. They draw only a few watts and are much cooler, reducing both plug load and the needto cool the spaces they occupy.! Throughout the year, we have been upgrading andreplacing other equipment and software as well. We haveupgraded our security system, several servers, and somecritical back-end software that allows us to quickly back upand restore servers in the event of a data loss. Recently wereplaced our large-format banner printer with a largermodel that can print out 42” wide posters in superb photoquality. We also augmented our online presence thissummer when we rolled out our mobile Darien Library appwhich is available on both iPhone and Android devices.! Last summer, we opened the Digital Media Lab.Over the past year, it has grown in popularity and hasbecome a true asset to the community. Residents andFriends have used the space to do everything fromconverting old camcorder tapes to DVD to designing jewelryand printing out prototypes on the 3D printer. It is an exciting

space and we are constantly looking for ways to add to it.Recently, we purchased a 3D scanner that allows users toplace an object on a rotating plate and literally scan it in to the computer as a 3 dimensionaldigital file. Those files can then be printed out or modified. A major reason for creating the DMLis so that we could provide users with the tools to convert their analog artifact (photos,videotapes, and now objects) to digital content. We plan to build on that concept and we arecurrently working on ways to catalog and post that content online. We will be starting with thelibrary’s archives then looking ahead at ways to preserve the heritage of Darien by inviting thepublic to submit content that tells the story of their lives in the town.

A Form1 3D Printer, one of thenew additions to the DML cominglater this year.

This graph shows the spike in internettraffic at the library in the daysfollowing Sandy.

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! This spring, we were excited to offerthe “Attack of the Drones” program whereparticipants built and flew their own dronesusing an Arduino-based autopilot chiprunning open source software. It was anexciting program and participants learnedabout aviation, electronics, and a little

programming.! We have also initiated and launcheda cooperative effort with eleven other librariesin Fairfield County to create a multi-townMinecraft server. Minecraft is a very popularcomputer game among teens and children.The Fairfield County Minecraft Serverprovides a safe and friendly environment forthose kids to play online with their friends

while also instilling a broader sense of regional community.! In the coming year, we will be continuing with our rolling upgrades of equipment andsoftware. We will be expanding our virtual desktop roll-out to include the rest of our patron PCs

and a good number of staff PCs as well. We see many exciting opportunities with digital contentand improving access to electronic books and movies. We are planning for a web site redesignusing the new Drupal 8 platform, due to be released next year. In the meantime, we will beupgrading the back end software that powers our online catalog. We would like to integratemore digital content and blend in many of the suggestions we’ve received about the currentsystem.! As always, technology undergoes a continuous, iterative evolution. We are alwaysscanning the horizon for emerging trends and we feel strongly that Darien Library is a placewhere we can make new technology available, early on. However, one thing never seems tochange--if it’s not working right, try turning it off and on again.

One of the Darien Library Drones in flight.