The Next New Thing at the Norman Williams Public Library-The Innovation Lab
The Norman Williams Public Library has embarked on an exciting course of modernization. In May, 2015, 50 community members gathered with library staff and trustees to plot the course for its transformation into a 21st Century Library. The first evidence of this effort can be seen in the library’s new Innovation Lab.
To remain the intellectual catalyst of modern life, libraries must become inextricably bound to the digital revolution. It is no longer enough to stock stacks of books; it is not even enough to provide access to e-books and computers linking patrons to the internet. Today’s libraries are platforms from which patrons can access the increasing volume of digital material in the world, can use technology for their personal projects, and can find the human support needed to leverage these resources. In return, local libraries are realizing the unique importance of their archives and, through an institutional effort to digitize these materials, are contributing to the universal collection of knowledge.
The Norman Williams Public Library has taken its first step toward becoming such a platform. Since August, the front room of the library has begun its transformation to an Innovation Lab where individuals can meet to collaborate on their business interests; use the latest technology to scan and preserve photos, documents and videos; learn how to download and read e-books; learn how to use a new phone or other personal device; and much more.
To learn more about how the Innovation Lab can enhance your experience of the Norman Williams Public Library, join us in the first of the Next New Thing series of talks, which will focus on a discussion of how the Lab is ideal for entrepreneurs. See below for a schedule of upcoming Next New Thing sessions:
Program:Woodstock’s Final Brand Reveal and Innovation Lab Discussion
- When: Thursday, September 24th at 5:00pm – 6:00pm
- Where: Innovation Lab
- What: Join us for an exciting eventing – Woodstock’s final “brand reveal” followed by a discussion of a future Innovation Lab! Learn the story behind the brand. After years of diligent work and meetings with numerous Woodstock leaders, the Chamber of Commerce and others welcome the public to an event revealing a the new Woodstock brand and tagline to promote our community. Brand guidelines will be distributed as all local constituents are welcome to use it. Everyone is encouraged to attend. At the conclusion, please join a discussion and help us plan the future: an Innovation Lab for our library, led by Travis Hellstrom.
Program: The New Exciting World of Digitization
- When: Thursday, October 6th, at 5:30pm – 6:30pm
- Where: Innovation Lab
- What: Join Travis Hellstrom along with experts in our community as we discuss the exciting world of digitization. What is it? How does it work? And how can you get involved? Whether you are interested in turning your family pictures and videos into DVDs and digital media, access physical resources in a digital way or much more, join us on October 6th for a great program.The program is intended to start a discussion with library patrons about nation-wide trends in libraries, digitization among them, and learn the interests of the community. As we plan our future, we need user input. During the program we will share the experiences of one library in particular, the Middlebury Ilsley library and the new services they are providing the public through their Digital Media Lab which supports new digital media and the digitization of analog audio, video and photographic sources. They also provide video conferencing and video editing and more. http://www.ilsleypubliclibrary.org/digitalmedialab/.
We will be joined by other technology leaders, including Matt Powers, Executive Director of the Historical Society who will share his considerable work digitizing his museum collection.
We look forward to listening to your suggestions as we strive to be among the best 21st Century Libraries!