SCLS solicited ideas for the 2016 LSTA Technology grant from the SCLS Library Innovation Subcommittee, the Technology Committee, the ILS Committee and member libraries via cluster reps and surveys. SCLS selected several exciting projects from the pool of ideas to submit for the grant. They are as follows:
Project 1: RFID tags. SCLS will purchase 20,000 RFID tags which will allow libraries using RFID to tag items not owned by their library to facilitate self service holds.
Project 2: Mobile hot spots. There is strong interest from libraries in lending mobile hot spots to patrons and for using them for doing outreach programs and patron registration and circulation at remote locations. This is in sync with the growing trend in libraries to offer such services as reported in an American Libraries article called "Bridging the Tech Gap." Project activities will include:
- SCLS will identify data service providers that offer mobile hot spots. Ideally, several different providers will be selected to test coverage in the different SCLS service areas. SCLS will purchase mobile hot spots and data service for up to one year.
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SCLS will identify libraries that are willing to serve as pilot libraries for checking out mobile hot spot devices to patrons. Libraries will be provided with hot spot devices from service provides that have been targeted to work in their service area.
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Pilot libraries will work together and with SCLS to develop procedures and policies for checking out the mobile hot spot devices.
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SCLS will create 3 to 6 mobile hot spot packages which libraries will be able to reserve for mobile outreach. We will also provide laptops that can be used along with the hot spots.
Project 3: Joining LINKcat. SCLS will use some LSTA funds to offset the costs of joining LINKcat for at least one SCLS member library.
Project 4: Digitization Initiative. A discussion at the July 28 Library Innovation Subcommittee resulted in a goal of focusing on digitization in 2016. Of particular interest is the opportunity for combining community outreach with digitization projects such as recording oral histories and scanning photos depicting local history. SCLS conducted a survey to gauge interest and a summary of results is available here. Grant activities will include:
- SCLS will evaluate solutions for archival and backup storage of libraries' digitized objects. Solutions may include partnering with another Wisconsin Public Library system, establishing an in-house server or assisting libraries with local solutions.
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SCLS will purchase and make two scanning kits available for libraries to borrow, similar to the kit we offer now via the 2015 LSTA grant. SCLS will provide laptops necessary for using the scanning equipment. SCLS will also explore equipment for assisting libraries with collecting oral histories and will purchase the equipment, prepare documentation and package it for loan to the libraries. http://programming.scls.info/scanning-kit
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SCLS will develop a program of in person speakers, webinars and documentation on best practices for digitization of physical materials and the collection of oral histories. SCLS will identify experts who can help SCLS libraries develop best practices in the following areas: training on interview techniques, training on audio editing software, information on best practices for physical material digitization, metadata creation and copyright. SCLS will review the results of the current ILEAD project that is focusing on digitization and incorporate relevant practices into this project.
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SCLS will evaluate, select and begin implementation of a solution for providing access to digitized materials. SCLS is participating in the WPLC Collaborative Digitization Work Group and if possible, will work with solution(s) identified by that group. Criteria include: ease of creating metadata, ease of retrieval of digitized materials by the local ILS, and ease of harvesting for inclusion into Recollection Wisconsin.
