Ubicomp and
Libraries:Current examples
and evolving implications
OLA/WLA
Joint Conference
April 17, 2008
Chris Peters
TechSoupMichael Porter
WebJunction, libraryman.com
Ubiquitous Computing
"a model of human-computer interaction in which information processing has been thoroughly integrated into everyday objects
and activities."
Ubiquitous Computing
When computing and information access and interaction happens when
and where we need it.
Enabled by “calm” technology that is everywhere, yet easily modified and controlled by the user so that it is a
natural extension of ourselves.
Ubiquitous Computing
Happens at the scale of:
The Body
The Room
The Building
This slide replaces 62 colorful, image only slides that facilitated discussions around: Moore’s Law – Flash drive size and cost over time as examplesCell phone ubiquityEye-Fi cardRoomba/ScoobaCothing/Technology mergers:
solar, music, biofeedback, input-output technologiesAmbient technologyHomebrew roboticsOpenSource potentialsChumbyInteractive surfacesVOIP library “communicators”Pixel RollerDesign inovationsiPhoneNike/Apple design/input-output convergenceRole of gaming in increasing ubiquityContent access ubiquity
Apple TV, Sat>Go (Direct TV), Slingbox,Mobile device evolution
Platform:Google phoneFOLEDTiny projector tech
BUG gadget platformRFIDLooptDigital fabricationCloud computingData portabilityOpen source (more)
Terminology
• Ubiquitous Computing (Ubicomp)
• Ambient Computing
• Pervasive Computing
• The Internet of Things
Visions of Ubiquitous Computing
• Low cost, low power microprocessors embedded in everyday objects
• The Post-P.C. Environment
• Computers should be invisible and unobtrusive
• Technology should create calm
Visions of Ubiquitous Computing
• Embedded: many networked devices are integrated into the environment
• Context awareness: these devices can recognize you and your situational context
• Personalized: they can be tailored to your needs • Adaptive: they can change in response to you • Anticipatory: they can anticipate your desires
without conscious mediation.
What Trends and Technologies Will Power Ubicomp?
• Basic– Small, low cost processors– Small, low cost antennas– Universal identification (i.e. IPv6)– Interoperability and open standards
• Advanced– Sensors– Storage– New inputs and outputs (gestural, voice, etc.)
Social Networks and Libraries
• Think like a venture capitalist – what could libraries do with all this information in social networks if it were combined with the circulation records in our ILS?
• Anticipatory Reference?
Library as Place
• If content is accessible everywhere and everyone is a content mediator, then controlling access to information becomes less valued.
• But as community becomes more and more important, and real estate becomes more expensive (in the long term), people need a place to meet and collaborate. Library as place becomes more valued.
Space Planning in the 21st Century
• More group study spaces -- Integration between smartboards and laptops and mobile devices
• Emotional Mapping of the library space