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CONTENTS (Click to Jump to page)
Page 1 Editorial
Page 2 Code Club - Libraries, Digital Literacy & STEM
By Victoria Hunter
Page 6 1001 Libraries to see before you die!
Page 8 Supporting Libraries Delivering Digital Inclusion
By Luke Wilson & Sharon Wagg
Page 11 Dudley's Digital Festival
By Emily Clark
Page 14 The Glass Box Project
By Tabitha Witherick
Page 22 Choosing to Lead
By Paul Tovell
Page 25 Acknowledgements
Editorial By Paul Tovell,
Access Editorial Team
Welcome to issue 11 of Access, which this time is celebrating all the
current developments in digital services in our libraries. Appropriate,
perhaps, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the World Wide
Web this year. And yet recent statistics show that around 14% of the
UK population still lack household internet access. How, you might
ask, can we help?
We showcase opportunities to teach children how to code, and learn
valuable skills they will need in their future careers, in an article from
Cheshire West and Chester Libraries. We also present a report on
the digital making going on in Somerset through their Glass Box
project, which demonstrates just how our digital services can work
for business.
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Editorial (continued)
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016
Code Club – Libraries,
Digital Literacy and STEM
In Spring 2016, Northwich Library launched the first of Cheshire
West and Chester Libraries' new after-school Code Clubs. These
free, hour-long sessions are part of the national initiative aiming
to teach primary school children the basics of computer coding
and programming in a fun, relaxed environment. The Code Club
organisation (see www.codeclub.org.uk ) is supported and
subsidised by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, whose aim is to give
every child in the UK a chance to learn about computer
programming. Hopefully this will encourage them to develop a
greater understanding of ICT and foster better engagement with
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects.
We are also keen to set up successful Code Clubs in order to
support the Society of Chief Librarians’ (SCL) Digital Offer and to
help develop technologically-literate communities.
I’m incredibly proud that my library was the first to run sessions in
our area. However, I must admit that it did prove a much harder
undertaking than we first anticipated, principally because Code
Clubs are intended to be volunteer-led, and we have only had
tentative relationships with volunteers thus far.
2
Victoria is Team Leader at Northwich Library, on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Libraries.
By Victoria Hunter
Dudley Libraries have been busy celebrating at their Digital
Festival, which is an idea that has spun directly from the
SCL Digital Leadership programme – a great example of
what can be done on a very low budget when people are
inspired to make things happen!
We include a summary of a stakeholder day around libraries
delivering digital inclusion, led by the Tinder Foundation.
They support much of our work in delivering digital projects
and have recently released the Library Digital Inclusion
Action Research Report. There is also a report on their
digital inclusion project, which used Library Research
Partners to encourage digitally excluded people to get
online.
There is a report from the SCL Choosing to Lead day in
Birmingham, which focussed on opportunities to lead in the
cultural sector, and how digital services might help to
increase our audiences. It also featured outgoing SCL Chair
Ciara Eastell who delivered her view of future potential to
lead in libraries.
Finally I’d like to point out the excellent Libraries Taskforce
blog, which is full of ideas and case studies from libraries
around the country (and from where the opening paragraph
statistics come!) – feel free to have a browse at:
https://librariestaskforce.blog.gov.uk
Best wishes
Paul
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 3
Fortunately, we have gained the interest and support of an
ICT technician from the University of Chester, Rich, who now
gives up his evening every Thursday in order to work with us.
Over the course of twelve weeks, Rich has shown the
children how to make their own computer games, animations
and quizzes using Scratch software. We have been thrilled
that all six children who registered have shown up for every
single lesson, constantly full of excitement about learning to
code and not put off by the different types of project
encountered.
The lessons are challenging: the first project was to create
an animated "rock band", coding the instruments to play
noises, change shape and even to dance around! For that
first lesson we gave them written instructions to help, but as
the weeks went on we began to limit how much we provided
instructions alongside Rich's teaching. Slowly, they began to
receive only one page at a time, ensuring they had to listen
to Rich as the coding process became more complex.
By the ninth week, they weren't receiving any pages of
instructions at all. The change was incredible; within such a short
space of time, they had learnt enough to answer Rich's questions
and put the fundamentals of their code together with so much
confidence that they didn't even notice the instructions had
disappeared. Sometimes, when they got stuck, we challenged
them to figure it out for themselves and their teamwork grew.
They would go across and help each other, pointing out which
pieces of code weren't working, and it was lovely to see them
engage as a group.
Code Club’s online resources are fantastic in supporting this
development. Each project is clear, thorough, well-constructed
and well-designed for compact teaching within an hour's session.
However, the projects do get harder as the weeks go by – this
isn't an "easy" course. Whilst the fundamentals are the same,
each lesson varies in the different coding principles and
techniques covered. But this is what really helps encourage the
children to think outside the box and understand the concept of
computer logic. In fact, every Thursday at 5pm, they would
actually come sprinting into the library, keen to have fun and get
stuck into the challenge of something so new and complex.
Rich, showing participants a Code Bug and the Python software.
The members of Code Club – hard at work!
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 4
But the success of our Code Club is fundamentally down to
Rich as our volunteer leader – his enthusiasm and teaching
skills are the reasons those children became so engaged.
Initially, I was concerned at the idea of having a volunteer so
heavily involved, despite knowing that it must work elsewhere
otherwise the scheme would not advocate it so strongly. My
principal worry was not about reliability or being able to work
with children, it was actually related to the knowledge element
of the course. This is a serious set of skills to teach children –
you would not allow any volunteer who knows what a book is to
go into a school and teach English, for example. If something
goes wrong – which it often does, because coding isn't simple
and children don't always want to just follow the rules – then
someone with only a rudimentary knowledge of coding (like me)
can't explain the "why" that is ultimately needed to make the
teaching effective. And in such a situation, kids will switch off
and the excitement is gone – because what's the point if you
don't know "why"?
I still stand by this point. After twelve weeks watching Rich
teach our Code Club, I can see more than ever that having a
volunteer from the ICT profession, who actually knows and
understands coding and computers – and can answer the
inevitable questions about why programming functions the way
it does – is the most important aspect of running a successful
Code Club. Rich himself has also raised this issue, saying that:
"coding is exceptionally abstract; just reading the instructions
off a sheet will get you from A-Z, but it ignores B-Y and how the
code moves through each of these steps. It is incredibly useful
for the children – as beginners – to know why it’s doing these
seemingly abstract things, why this gives them the result they
end up with, and how their code gets the computer to its end
result.“
Our group really took this on board and you could see the value
they gained from it.
Towards the end of the course, Rich started setting them little
challenges to try at home, and because he had taught the "why"
so clearly and with great focus, some of them actually came back
with 90% perfect pieces of code that they created by themselves
because they understood the principles behind it. Using Scratch,
Rich has taught them how to think logically. The children never
once gave up or expected him to provide all the answers. Instead
they looked at their screens, they looked at their chunks of code
and they gave it an incredible shot, especially given how it was the
first time most of them had ever experienced coding.
It is not just the children who benefit. Rich himself has gained a lot
from volunteering with Code Club, saying that: "it's really
rewarding to see kids interested in where the programmes and
gadgets that they use day-to-day come from, and it's been really
fun teaching them how these things work, despite on the surface it
appearing quite mundane – it's something I never thought of
getting involved with before! But so many children today use
computers and technology without a second thought – they can't
imagine a world without it – it's so important that they understand
how it all works and the amazing amount of detail that's contained
in coding."
It has certainly been rewarding to see first-hand how libraries like
mine can contribute to this unique opportunity for 9-11 year olds.
When we asked the group what they had liked best about being
part of Code Club, the response was primarily about fun: “you can
learn all about coding and have fun doing it!" Even their parents
could not believe how involved the children were becoming in this
exciting new world of programming.
We evaluated the impact of Code Club by giving the group simple,
child-friendly feedback sheets that asked them how much they
liked attending (with a range of very happy to very sad smiley
faces to choose from) and to describe Code Club in three words.
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 5
I ensured that Code Club was added to the agenda of a Senior
Management Team meeting in order for me to debrief on the
experience and its impact. Our success has certainly
encouraged their desire to roll this initiative out to other
libraries. In terms of support from the Code Club national
organisation, we haven’t received very much, but we also
haven’t asked for it. We are aware of the support available, and
the meet-ups in big cities, but we have been quite content to
run it our way fairly independently. As a word of caution,
though, most of the information seems geared towards schools
and teachers1, and perhaps they are not aiming their support
at libraries specifically enough. 1 There are currently 4,589 Code Clubs registered on the official site, of which 4,228
are in primary schools and just 361 in public libraries – as of 1 August 2016
The whole group is now keen to sign up to the next level (Python)
and Rich is also thrilled that he can continue to teach them new
projects whilst also getting started with a fresh set of beginners in
September.
Believe me: as an initiative, Code Club is worth participating in –
whether setting one up, or just getting involved by volunteering,
it's a rewarding, challenging and fascinating scheme to be a part
of. Computer programming is the path of the future and I'm so
proud to know that my library is making a contribution towards
greater understanding, even if only to six kids who are coding
animations and games after school. Because everyone has to
start somewhere: Steve Jobs began somewhat unassumingly with
Heathkits. So who knows – perhaps one of our ten year-olds will
be following in his footsteps? I certainly hope so.
Victoria, Rich and the members of Code Club celebrate their learning and proudly display their certificates!
1001 Libraries to see before you die This is the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart. Like our last entry, this library was opened in 2011. Designed by Cologne-based Architect Eun Young Yi, the building is a
perfect 45m cube, with 9 floors and facades consisting of 9x9 windows set in glass blocks in pale grey concrete frames. The glass blocks are lit to spectacular
effect at night. The website for you to send your suggestions for great libraries can be found here: http://1001libraries.wordpress.com/
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 6
1001 Libraries to see before you die – Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 7
Tinder Foundation – supporting libraries delivering digital inclusion
By Luke Wilson Project Delivery Manager at Tinder Foundation
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 8
Back in September, more than 100 library professionals and
stakeholders met in Sheffield to discuss Libraries Delivering
Digital Inclusion. This event was focussed entirely on libraries
and followed the launch of our recently released Library Digital
Inclusion Action Research Report1. This paper looked in-
depth at how library services can utilise their local position and
connections, and galvanise basic digital skills within
communities.
The event provided an opportunity to share practical advice
and inspirational stories from across the country, and
highlighted the key themes that seem to make digital inclusion
in libraries really work. The discussion ranged from library
governance models to working with small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs), from library equipment loan schemes to
working with jobseekers, from volunteer management to
mobile technology and outreach.
We explored some of the very real challenges facing libraries.
In our growing digital world, this means libraries are having to
deliver more digital services, and there’s no pretending that it’s
not a significant challenge in the face of cuts and closures. It’s
especially difficult when Local Authorities are also increasingly
looking to libraries to support their digital-by-default service
agendas by reaching out to those with least digital access and
least digital skills.
1http://www.tinderfoundation.org/our-thinking/research-publications/library-digital-
inclusion-fund-action-research-project-final
For some libraries, channel shift has actually been an
opportunity to really demonstrate that they’re more than just
books to funders, partners, councils and councillors. It was
great to hear how many libraries were using Management
Information - including from Learn My Way and Tinder
Foundation’s CaptureIT tool - to evidence the impact of their
digital inclusion work to key stakeholders and funders.
At Tinder Foundation, we want to help more libraries do more
with digital. And we believe that events like this one, where
libraries can come together to share, and learn and
disseminate, are the way to spread the message and, in the
end, a way to both prepare and protect our libraries for the
future.
We’ll be summarising and sharing all the discussions from the
day in due course, but overall what the day demonstrated to me
was that libraries are an important part of the local community
picture that can deliver digital access and digital skills to help
plug welfare, cohesion and other societal gaps.
Digital skills cannot just be seen in isolation - digital sweeps
through every aspect of modern life. These skills are now key in
education, in financial and information literacy, in supporting
SMEs, in combating social isolation and promoting community
integration, in helping people find work and do jobs, in the use
of digital health and social care services, in accessing benefits,
applying for social housing and school places - to name just a
few.
As libraries make up half of our UK online centres network,
Tinder Foundation is committed to ensuring libraries have the
support and resources required to effectively deliver, evidence
and advocate their digital inclusion work.
We strongly believe that libraries have the potential to help us
close the digital skills gap, and reduce social inequalities. We
will continue to improve our support for libraries delivering digital
inclusion – both for existing and new members of the Library
Online Centres2 network. We will do this through the new look
Learn My Way website, and through training opportunities3,
funding programmes4, and wider network support5 to advance
and promote the great digital inclusion work which libraries are
undertaking.
If you’re not part of our network - we’d love you to join us! Just
email [email protected].
We’d also love you to just join the discussion - come and talk to
us, library and information professionals and people from library
professional bodies on the Digital Libraries Hub6.
2 https://www.ukonlinecentres.com/specialist-networks/libraries 3 https://www.ukonlinecentres.com/training 4 https://www.ukonlinecentres.com/funding 5 https://www.ukonlinecentres.com/join-the-network/why-join-the-network/libraries 6 http://digitallibrarieshub.ning.com/
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 9
The ‘Libraries Delivering Digital Inclusion’ event in Sheffield.
Tinder’s digital inclusion project
By Sharon Wagg Research Co-ordinator at Tinder Foundation
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 10
As Research Lead on Tinder Foundation’s Library Digital
Inclusion Fund action research project, I’ve travelled up and
down the country visiting the 16 participating library services.
Delivering in over 200 library branches in both rural and urban
areas, and in a variety of outreach locations, the Library Digital
Inclusion Fund supported over 1,600 digitally excluded people
to improve their basic digital skills. A summary of some of our
key findings is below:
Partnerships are key in helping libraries to reach and support
new audiences
Library Research Partners built on the reputation of the library
‘brand’ to engage partners and support their digital inclusion
delivery models. They helped recruit volunteers, reach
established groups, and deliver in trusted outreach locations1.
Mobile equipment is essential in delivering outreach sessions,
and in engaging older or more vulnerable groups
Mobile devices such as WiFi enabled tablets and laptops, and
mobile WiFi hotspots, made it possible to take the library
service out into the community, enabling libraries to deliver
digital inclusion activities in outreach locations such as
hospitals, churches, foodbanks, and local community centres.
1 https://www.ukonlinecentres.com/specialist-networks/libraries/case-studies
for case study examples.
Libraries need to collect robust digital inclusion data to track the
progress of their learners and programmes, and demonstrate
their impact to funders and stakeholders
Through the project the Library Research Partners were able to
accurately record and track the progress of their learners and
collect rich management information using Tinder Foundation’s
online learning platform learnmyway.com, which automatically
captures data on learners’ activity, and online tutor return tool
CaptureIT2.
Full findings of the report can be found on the Tinder
Foundation website3.
Sharon Wagg is Research Coordinator at Tinder Foundation,
and can be reached at : [email protected]
2 https://www.ukonlinecentres.com/running-your-centre/learn-my-
way-capture-it-basic-digital-skills-survey
3 http://www.tinderfoundation.org/our-thinking/research-
publications/library-digital-inclusion-fund-action-research-project-final
Dudley Libraries’ Digital Festival
By Emily Clark Service Development Librarian at Dudley Libraries
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On 8th October 2016, Dudley Libraries held a digital-themed
day aimed at families and branded as a ‘digital festival’ with
the intention of raising the profile of libraries as a place to learn
digital skills.
Planning and promotion
I attended the SCL digital leadership programme in Oct-Dec
2015, and came up with the initial idea for the festival, to
accelerate interest in the programme of digital activities that
were already on offer in libraries and contribute to the STEM
agenda which is gaining more prominence in school and
college curriculums.
We anticipated that the event may gain a lot of interest and
planned ambitiously for a high attendance. An Eventbrite page
was set up and used to publicise and manage bookings for the
event, and schools and colleges were made aware of the
event, by sending out information on school bulletins and
newsletters via the network of literacy coordinators.
What happened
A committee of staff from all levels, with an interest in digital,
were involved in planning and delivering activities which
included the following:
Left: 3-D Printing with FizzPop
Right: Minecraft Masks
Left: Scratch Coding Right: Digital Music-making
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 12
• Minecraft taster sessions and Minecraft masks craft
• Creating light up robot cards using LEDs, cell batteries and
electric paint
• Code UK showing children how to create animations and
games using Scratch
• Raspberry pi introductory sessions
• Stop motion animation using plasticine models and iPads
• Beauty Blogging Workshop
• Digital music creation
• K-Nex
• XBox gaming tournaments
• Social media workshop with Adam Koszary from University
of Oxford’s Bodleian Library
• Film Screening of web series ‘Video Game High School’
• Birmingham Makerspace FizzPop demonstrating 3D
printers and running a digital torch craft
• Dudley College bought a DIY rocket launcher and
electronics
• Competitions including a QR Codes trail, and prizes such
as Think Tank Science Museum tickets.
The festival took place at Halesowen library from 10am – 2pm,
with activities taking place over five floors and in multiple
locations. There was a real buzz about the day, and children
were dressed in Minecraft t-shirts, running around to explore
everything that was going on.
Impact
• 200 bookings were taken via the Eventbrite page, with 600
people visiting the library on the day.
Above: Electric Paint Robot Cards
Left: Stop- Motion Animation
Right: K-Nex
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 13
• Lots of positive feedback was collected from families attending
the event. The event was described as ‘very fun – something
new’, ‘really relevant to my son’s interest’, with ‘loads of
exciting activities to get involved in’.
• Perceptions were altered about what libraries have to offer
and people who attended the event said they would now ‘look
more to find out what’s on’ in libraries.
• The taster format for activities allowed us to see which digital
activities are most popular – this will be helpful in planning
future events
• New members were attracted to the library and several people
joined on the day.
• Exciting partnerships were made with contributors, which can
be capitalised on when planning future events.
• The event was attended by a local councillor, increasing local
political awareness of the contribution that libraries can make.
Reflection
The festival was particularly exciting for me, as it was a chance to
see my idea realised. Although it involved a lot of planning, the
costs involved were low as volunteers were utilised, all partners
contributed free of charge and we made our own publicity. The
only costs were on staff and materials for the activities.
Many people who came asked for more of the same, and there
are plans for another Code Club and some spin off ‘mini maker’
activities for the school holidays. A big event like this is great for
grabbing attention and testing the waters for the community
appetite for more of this type of activity. There is so much more
mileage in many of the partnerships that have been made
through planning the Digital Festival, so we are hoping that this is
just the beginning.
To find more about Dudley Libraries and upcoming events, follow
us on twitter @dudleylibraries
Left: Raspberry Pi Workshop Right: DIY Rocket Launcher
Left: 3D-Printed Models Right: Electronics from Dudley College
Enterprise & Innovation in Somerset Libraries
By Tabitha Witherick Service Manager – Development at Somerset Library Service
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 14
So do you need to be in a city to make digital making work? No!
In our experience being in an area where digital making doesn’t
yet have a big profile puts your library in a unique and exciting
position. In 2015 a new set of commissioning outcomes were
agreed for Somerset Libraries to deliver on, which include:
• More people are enabled and inspired to make the most of
the digital world
• Libraries contribute to economic growth in Somerset
Whilst we already delivered well on ‘digital enabling’ and had
traditionally offered business information, we were keen to
develop a project that helped to give greater profile to resources
already available in libraries (company data, market reports,
electronic factsheets for start-ups, free Wi-Fi) and grow the
‘digital inspiration’ aspect of our offer.
We wanted to:
• Demonstrate and build on the libraries’ role in ‘cradle to
grave’ skills development and how this supports economic
growth.
• Broaden partnerships to bring relevant partner led business
focused activity and ‘expert’ volunteers to libraries.
• Demonstrate what is possible, test demand and ‘prototype’
the future library offer for business start- ups, skills
development and digital making.
We started by plotting what we were already doing and how this
might be developed, through an infographic. This proved very
helpful when engaging partners with our ambition and ideas.
(We had a lot of conversations!).
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 15
What emerged was a plan to create a new space for individual
and collaborative working and learning at Taunton Library (our
busiest library located in Somerset’s county town); to support
business start-ups, digital making and skills development. A
flexible space where we would host a range of digital maker and
business events from Code Club to digital skills training for
businesses.
The space itself, a shop front within the library building, had
previously been the Tourist Information Centre. The phrase
‘Glass Box’ was coined by our commissioning manager and it
stuck! We liked the way it represented what we were trying to
achieve - creating visibility for library resources and giving
people an inspiring view into the digital world.
Our property team granted us use of the space for a year, and
we felt this offered a good timeframe to experiment with a range
of partners, events and services.
Launch
We spent a few months planning, influencing and network
building behind the scenes, followed by an intense period
preparing the space.
We then held a Digital Day at the end of June to launch the
project and it has been all go ever since.
Enterprise
Aim
To support budding entrepreneurs, business start-ups and
creative minds, with business information, webinars and
workshops.
Why?
• Create a town centre focal point and unique space for
knowledge sharing and digital skills for business start-ups and
SMEs.
• Early stage failure rates could be reduced from around 65%
with the introduction of incubator and innovation centres.
How?
We are actively seeking partners to offer one off ‘pop up’ events or
regular activities such as workshops or one to one drop-ins.
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 16
Highlights so far
• Google Digital Garage on Tour - A Google trainer came from
Manchester and ran two workshops for over 100 local
businesses. The sessions included ‘Tell your story online’ and
‘Reach new customers’. We were delighted to get ‘Google’ to
Taunton!
• Funding for Google Digital Garage Workshops - We
successfully bid for funding from the Tinder Foundation to
enable the delivery of small Google Digital Garage workshops
to help businesses build digital skills to reach more customers
online.
• Social Media workshop - As part of the super-fast broadband
roll out programme ‘Get up to speed’, we hosted a business
focused social media workshop. We could have booked this
out multiple times.
• FSB Meet the expert (Growth hacking) - The local branch of
the Federation of Small Businesses developed and ran an
event providing expert advice to help businesses grow,
promote and increase their profit. Five top experts in their field
were available to advise and help businesses with social
media, business planning, networking, digital resources and
accounting.
Coming soon
A programme of business and expert delivered events are in the
pipeline as local partners have come forward having attended an
event themselves.
Innovation
Aim
Inspiring digital skills development through coding, robotics and
digital making.
Why?
• The CBI estimates that nearly 40% of firms looking for staff with
digital skills have had difficulties recruiting.
• House of Lords report warns that the UK could be left behind in
terms of digital skills.
• 82% of young people are interested in digital making. However,
half of young people make things with digital technology less
than once a week or never.
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 17
How?
We are recruiting expert volunteers and STEM Ambassadors to
set up a range of digital making workshops and events.
Highlights so far
• Raspberry Jam - Taunton’s first ever ‘Raspberry Jam’ was
organised and hosted by two teenage volunteers and
included workshops exploring digital making - scratch,
python, electronics, robotics and the sonic Pi.
• Maker in Residence – The Technical Director of a large
company, (with a background in electronics, software and
innovation through technology) is volunteering as the first
Digital Maker in Residence. His ‘make things, do stuff –
robotics for fun’ sessions have proved popular and he is
currently exploring evening coding sessions for adults.
• Code Club - Our weekly group for 9-11 year olds to learn
coding and digital making such as games and websites from
expert volunteers restarted after the summer holiday in its new
home.
• 3D Printing - The 3D printers have been used for a variety of
projects, including miniature train enthusiasts, for school
homework and by our Maker in Residence to create robotics
chassis. There has also been interest from a number of
businesses and local schools .
• Fun Palaces - As well as hosting a SCL SW regional workshop
in the lead up to Fun Palaces, we also held a staff invented and
led robotics themed Fun Palace on 1st October. The day was
hugely successful in engaging a range of ages, most notably it
attracted 8 to 16 year olds and kept them busy at the library for
hours! The mobile 3D printer was requested at the Wells
Library space themed Fun Palace - printing the ratchet sent into
space for Tim Peakes.
• Taunton Developers Meetup - The local developers group now
meet in the Glass Box, to raise their profile, recruit new
members and hopefully support community activity, such as
skills sharing or hack events
Coming soon
• 3D Printing Workshops - Local 3D printer manufacturers,
Robox, are running workshops to demonstrate their innovative
product. This includes multi material printing, as well as router
and cutter options
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 18
• Open Innovation Challenge - WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff are
sponsoring an Open Innovation Challenge - Groups of
students will be asked to think innovatively under the theme of
SMART Somerset, resulting in a pitch of their ideas to a
Dragons Den style panel. The process will be facilitated by an
external Digital Making expert.
• Apps for Good - We have been keen to use the Apps for
Good programme (teaching young people to develop and
create apps) and are excited that one of the local colleges are
planning to run this for students in The Glass Box.
• Workshops with schools - We also have some workshops
planned that will actively engage with schools and colleges
about how they can further use the space and resources.
• Open Data – Very early conversations are starting about the
potential of Open Data.
The recipe
• Flexible, highly visible space - It was important that the space
we designed was allowed us to easily reconfigure for a variety
of needs. We also wanted any furniture to be reusable after
the end of the yearlong experiment.
• Team - The development of the project was very much a team
effort, and it certainly would not have been possible without
the dedication, hard work and commitment of all involved.
• Expert Volunteers – Central to the delivery of events has been
expert volunteers. They have come forward through STEMnet
(we ran a local event in the lead up to launch) and people
have also come from the local community by dropping in to
find out what we are doing.
• Lego Mindstorms and BB8 - Mindstorms offer a range of
robotics projects and work well as a step up from our popular
Lego Clubs. The little Sphero BB8 is a hugely popular droid!
The robots can be controlled by code as well as apps.
• Raspberry Pi and Pi kit - this kit included Kano kits (step by
step computer building made simple), CamJam sets, such as
the Raspberry Pi Robotics kit which includes the electronics
and the coding factsheets.
• Littlebits, Makey Makey, and Micro Drone - tools to support
invention, electronics and basic Internet of Things experiments.
Kit
We have invested in some kit
to get us started. This includes:
• 3D Printers - One Ultimaker
Pro and one Ultimaker2Go.
We decided to hire these
from a company as one of
the teams main concern was
about support, maintenance
and training - this is included
in the package. The other
benefit of hire is that after
the three year hire period we
could easily upgrade to a
newer model (budget
allowing). We also have a
3D scanner but haven't got
the software connected yet.
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 19
• Virtual Reality goggles and Google cardboard - these use an
app on a mobile phone so aren't at all expensive, but have
been hugely popular.
• PCs, Laptops, tablets, 65” wall mounted screen and increased
WiFi capacity - providing flexible use of technology within the
space.
• Software - we requested a unique image for the laptops, which
included CAD software for 3D printing design and Minecraft.
• Business resources - a suite of large colourful posters were
designed to promote existing services such as Cobra, MINT
and Access to Research, as well as online tools like the
brilliant FutureLearn courses and British Library Business and
IP webinars.
• A full list of equipment and software is available on the
website (www.somerset.gov.uk/glassbox).
Budget
So you are no doubt wondering about the money! We scanned
around for potential funding opportunities, but there wasn't anything
immediately obvious or practical to apply for. We could have created
a programme of events within the existing library space at a lower
cost, but we felt we would get more profile from a 'shop front'
approach.
Not having external funding has obviously limited the scale of what
we could achieve, but it has also liberated us from targets and
predefined outcomes and has made us work hard to draw in new
partnerships, volunteers and sponsors. We have been able to
experiment within the stated aims of the project, which has resulted
in some great case studies and opportunities to develop further.
We were offered five days of Arts Council funded consultancy time
via our bridge organisation RIO. This provided us with details of the
social enterprise model and has allowed us to work on a range of
income generating options, to potentially enable a cost neutral
operation in the future.
Challenges
• IT - Working with our council IT provider was both helpful and
difficult. No doubt we have asked them to innovate in a way other
departments don't. They stepped up, but time was left very tight
and we had to step in at various times to find workarounds.
• Staff time - We don't currently have lots of frontline resource to
support the project and there is more that we would like to do.
The staff time we do have is spent upskilling and confidence
building, as well as supporting the volunteer led events and
activities.
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 20
• A future uncertain - starting on this journey without an end
game was a risk and at times it has felt like a big risk! And yet,
for us, not running with this project would have been the
biggest risk of all. In a time when digital technology is
changing so rapidly we believe libraries will have an ever
increasing role supporting people to navigate the digital world.
The question is, are we able to mobilise, evolve and change
quickly enough to support our communities with their digital
learning needs?
Successes
• Having a memorable, if slightly random, name for the project
has helped. It seems to stick with people and many we talk to
now say ‘oh yes I’ve heard of The Glass Box.
• Colleagues in our Economic Development team have been
incredibly supportive, and actually the relationship has been
mutually beneficial - we have each made new connections as
a result of working more closely together.
• We brought in 2TimesDo to provide workshops for the library
team in advance of opening. This helped staff by breaking the
ice with some of the kit available in the space.
• We have recruited a new development officer, who teaches
the coding curriculum in school part time and works with us
part time and we have new volunteers and potential partners
coming forward as what we are doing is very visible.
• Key decision makers within the council now see how libraries
can contribute to economic growth and skills development and
are supportive of what we are doing.
• Our three month review showed we have had 5144 visitors,
170+ businesses engaged, 25+ events and workshops, 100+
young participants, 12 new volunteers have come forward and
10+ new partners.
Top tips
If you would like to do something similar in your library, here are
some tips:
• Get out there and talk to people. Influence anyone and everyone
who will listen about the benefits of a project such as this.
Having advocates in the right places will open doors to further
conversations (and maybe even pots of money).
• Bring staff aboard early and keep in contact throughout. We
adjusted how we developed aspects of the project, for example
one of the team’s main concerns was around the 3D printers,
which we ultimately decided to rent. This option included
training, ongoing support and servicing (and also means we can
upgrade after 3 years as technology will no doubt move on!)
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 21
• Use digital tools to tell your story. We have used Piktochart
to plot our ambitions, Storify to amplify our events and Prezi
for exciting presentations.
• Don’t worry about things not being perfect. Learn from your
mistakes and understand that failure is part of the process.
• Don’t limit your ambition. You may not manage everything
you aspire to, but you’re more likely to get further by being
ambitious about what is possible. As one local entrepreneur
said to me ‘You have to visualise it if you want to make it
happen”.
• Do your research. Ask people who are already doing this
sort of thing. Corinne Hill from Chattanooga Libraries
(recommend you find out more) says ‘Innovation is on the
edge of what is already happening’, so make sure you know
what is happening! Libraries in the US are leading the way
with digital making and we spent time checking out their
websites. Travelling Librarian blog is a really helpful source.
And of course we visited the inspiration that is FabLab
Devon and Business and IP Centre in Exeter (thank you
neighbours!).
• When it comes to digital making start with whatever you can
manage. It can come in all shapes and sizes. SCL Code
Green Toolkit is a great place to explore.
• Attend a few unconferences and digital making/ hack events.
I’ve attended days like #CityMash at City of London and
Things Camp in Plymouth to catch up with what others are
doing with digital making (it’s great for inspiration, confidence
building and creating a network of contacts). I’ve recently
heard that I’m off to MozFest with library folk from across the
country thanks to an SCL Digital Leaders bursary, so should
come back with loads more ideas. And if you can’t get to the
events yourself, jump onto Twitter and get chatting with those
who are there using the event hashtag.
Choosing to Lead A day of stimulating conversation for library managers
By Paul Tovell Business Support Manager and Stock and Activities Officer at Staffordshire Libraries
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 22
I recently attended the Choosing to Lead day at the Library of
Birmingham, organised by the Clore Foundation, the British
Library and the Society of Chief Librarians. The aim of the day
was to encourage more people from the library sector to
consider investing in their leadership potential, by applying for a
Clore Fellowship. Sue Hoyle from Clore explained that out of all
the arts and cultural organisations, they receive very few
applications from library professionals. This day was aimed at
trying to change that.
The day had a very theatrical theme – the facilitator Fearghus
O’Conchuir was also a choreographer by trade, and we had not
one but two presentations from key leaders in the theatre
sector. You might wonder, as I did, what theatres have to do
with libraries, but we left enlightened. Fiona Allan gave a great
presentation about her time leading the Curve Theatre in
Leicester and the Birmingham Hippodrome. She, just like us,
has to deliver cultural and social value whilst operating like a
business, and constantly has to evidence the impact and
outcomes they make. The key points I took from it were:
• As library professionals, we need to be on the cultural
boards of our local areas. Many areas now have committees
to develop cultural offers – libraries need to be represented at
this level! At the very least, we can offer space and our
extremely enviable access to diverse audiences. Fiona’s
advice was, don’t wait to be invited to these boards, be a
gate-crasher! But whenever you are invited to any sort of
cross-cultural event or board, always say yes.
• Be aware that many organisations are into Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) and may be keen to invest in your library,
or your projects, as part of their remit. And don’t be afraid to ask
for help.
• One of the key tasks is to do a partner audit in your town or
area. Who are the key partners, and what do they have to offer –
money, influence, in-kind activities?
• Whenever you’re in a partnership, make sure you’re asking the
key question – what’s in it for me / my service? Are you getting
enough out of your partnerships?
• We need to attract new audiences. The key reason that people
from diverse ethnic backgrounds just didn’t come to Fiona’s
theatre was that “no-one in there looks like us”. Her response
was to completely change that – but how far have we got with it?
Birmingham is a good example – by 2024 there will be a white
minority in the city. If you lose some of your traditional audience
who might not like your new direction, don’t worry. As long as
you replace them with new audiences, does it matter?
Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director at the Birmingham REP Theatre,
was interviewed in another session, and she outlined her unusual
career path, and how leading isn’t always about managing people
in a traditional hierarchy, but it’s also about passion, enthusiasm,
respect, and taking opportunities. Again, this chimed well with the
point of the whole day – Clore does offer fantastic opportunities for
personal development.
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 23
Ciara Eastell, as outgoing chair of SCL, also gave a keynote
presentation, where she outlined her view of the current
opportunities to lead within the library sector. These included:
• Leading digital services, in order to transform what libraries do
• Partnership and collaboration – the more we do in partnership,
the greater impact we can have. Our trust and reach into the
community is enviable.
• Impact across the policy spectrum – We offer a universal
service, and the trick is to navigate it with confidence. We are
the answer to policy makers’ problems – they just don’t know it!
We need to change that by gathering evidence.
• Entrepreneurship – Seek alternative business models, and
opportunities to grow. It is vital that we learn to take risks.
• Workforce – We are very good at being focussed on what
customers really need; very flexible and adaptable. But how
do we grow it, diversify it, and marshal the experience of all
our volunteers. Is there a group locally who we haven’t yet
asked for help?
Finally she pointed out something I’d never fully appreciated – we
as library workers understand how to talk to civic leaders in a
way that most other people working in our sector do not. And
that’s actually rather valuable.
The rest of the day was taken up by some interesting sessions
focussing on the difference between leading and managing, and
examining the key drivers for why we work in our profession – we
clearly all have very different reasons for being here, and it was
refreshing to remember just how many good things there are
about working in our roles.
One of the discussions was around how libraries can become more
collaborative, and the answers included advertising each other’s
venues to audiences, mapping partnerships (i.e. not just inheriting
them but being proactive and deciding future directions), being
willing to hand over the keys, offering space for breakfast meetings,
and collaborating with the audience (asking why they come and
what they’d like to see). It is paramount that we get better at getting
content into local communities, such as screening theatre
productions in a library in real-time. There really were some very
interesting ideas.
We also all captured some offers and opportunities within the room
at the end of the day, which included an invite for guest bloggers to
contribute to the Library Taskforce blog. All in all, I was pleasantly
surprised by how much I got out of the day. The Clore Foundation
advertise their short courses here1, and I would not be surprised if
their applications from the library end of the sector increased this
year.
1 http://cloreleadership.org/Clore-Short-Course-Application.aspx
The Curve Theatre in Leicester, which Fiona Allen managed. Success there was defined by people protesting outside the doors if there was ever a threat to its survival.
Please get in touch if you have any ideas for articles or you
would like to contribute. E-mail us at [email protected]
with your thoughts and we can provide more information and
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PMLG Committee Members 2016
Chair: Jacquie Widdowson
Vice-Chair: Jon Davis
Treasurer: Mike Brook
Hon. Secretary: Sue Cook
Membership Sec: Emily Clark
Editorial Team: Paul Tovell
Emily Clark
Saran Pope
Journal Publisher: Jon Davis
Events: Julia Shepherd
Committee Members: Stella Chevalier
Sue Lawson
©PMLG ACCESS - Issue 11 - Autumn 2016 24
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