Running head: MULTI-TOUCH SCREEN/K. CHUNG 1

Director’s Brief: Multi-touch Screen—Interactive Display

Objective: Create and utilize an interactive experience through multi-touch screen technology as a means of showcasing upcoming programs and highlighting library services for all ages within our community. As always, the primary goal is to incorporate the library’s key mission of informing, educating, inspiring, and entertaining through interactive technology.

Executive Summary: Libraries are now more than ever realizing the need to incorporate new ideas and services as a means of moving into the future of library services. No longer will it be enough to provide access to books. Many emerging technologies are proving to be the most desired options to accomplish meeting the diverse needs of our communities. Interactive screen displays are quickly becoming the expected method of any digital device and it is important for the library to embrace and incorporate this technology into their services. Utilizing digital wayfinding to guide and inform our patrons with the tap of a screen is the only way to proceed into the future. However, this technology also allows our patrons the opportunity to provide helpful feedback about their library experiences. Overall, the possibilities of information that can be shared and/or gained with these devices is absolutely endless.

Introduction: As growth continues to evolve within the library setting, affording patrons the opportunity to experience emerging technologies is essential. Although multi-touch screens have been around since the 1960’s, never before has this technology had such an enormous impact on everyday life. This technology is everywhere a person visits in the course of their day; whether it be at the grocery store, the post office, or your local YMCA you have more than likely experienced the ease and flexibility of using these devices. The purpose of this brief is to introduce and examine this technology as a fun, engaging, and interactive means of informing the public about library services and/or programs. Most importantly, it could also be used to gather feedback from patrons regarding changes or concerns they may have in relation to our evolving library system.

Technology and Related Terms: While the cost of new technology is always a serious aspect to contemplate, all of the pros and cons must be considered. According to various suppliers, the cost of 32”- 42” multi-touch screens average from $1,200.00 to $2,000.00. The particular model researched for this proposal was the Elo 3243L IntelliTouch Dual Touch – 32” LED Monitor – Open frame – FullHD. This model is equipped to deal with the harshness of public use by featuring an invisible water resistant seal that also protects again dust and dirt, scratch resistant technologies lending itself to a longer performance life, a thickness of 2.3”, multiple mounting options, and a USB touch interface. It is compatible with Windows 7, , and Windows 10 while also being able to recognize up to 10 touches simultaneously.

https://www.amazon.com/E326202-IntelliTouch-Open-Frame-Touchmonitor-Iterface/dp/B01FRBIXBO/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493601009&sr=8-1- fkmr0&keywords=Elo+3243L+IntelliTouch+Dual+Touch+-+32%22+Touchscreen+LED+Monitor+-+Open+frame+-+FullHD

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Due to the multiple variations of how this product could be implemented into the library system, the chosen hardware is dependent upon two key factors: will the website be designed from scratch or will the use of programs already established be used for its creation? In fact there are many different considerations which need to be discussed before determining which form is best to implement into the library system. For example, one deliberation might be to determine if this technology is to be system- wide or methodically selected for specific locations. Another consideration would be to determine if the desired unit is all-inclusive unit such as the Surface Hub or a multi-touch screen with the capabilities of linking to a computer or a tablet. Below is a list of terms considered imperative for an informed discussion surrounding multi-touch screen technology:

E-board: an interactive touchscreen with a built-in Android meaning no need for a PC. It can be wall- mounted or used with the optional mobile stand.

Touch-screen Kiosk: a stall set up in a public location where information can be obtained following prompts on the screen. Data can be stored locally (e.g. linked to a device such as a tablet) or accessed via a network using a distributed information retrieval system (e.g. Internet).

Wayfinding Display: constructed much like a website, it uses open-source code, a browser and Internet connection, databases, and Flash to provide information for the public. The content is managed through a content management system and displayed on appropriate hardware.

Application Program Interface (API): the interface by which an application program accesses an operating system.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): the authoring language used to create documents on the World Wide Web.

JavaScript: an object-oriented computer programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers.

Main navigation: a menu located on the administration page containing links to all of the administrative functions of the site.

Navigational controls: an arrangement of (word/icon) forms within the of a specific system.

Web Content Management: is a bundled or stand-alone application used to create, manage, store and deploy content on Web pages.

Heat map Analysis: a graphical representation of data where the individual values contained in a matrix are represented as colors.

Click and Drag: is a gesture in which the user selects a virtual object by "grabbing" it and dragging it to a different location or onto another virtual object. In general, it can be used to invoke many kinds of actions, or create various types of associations between two abstract objects.

Usage: The multi-touch screen technology provides the option of creating an interactive experience for the library user. While multi-touch touch screens are being used everywhere from ATMs to beverage dispensers to airline ticketing, the library is working on finding ways for this technology to engage its patrons. The Netherlands seems to be on the forefront of this technology by incorporating ways to link it with a more participatory culture. At DOK pictures are uploaded of specific events and the patrons (especially children) are excited to come and view the pictures, however, the multi-touch screen affords much more interaction. The screen allows them to tag themselves, send the picture to friends, or make comments on MULTI-TOUCH SCREEN/K. CHUNG 3 the photo displays (Boekesteijn, n.d.). In Jeff Han’s TED talk (2006), he shows how multiple applications can be utilized on a multi-touch screen; maps can be incorporated, puppets created, or even random interactive art work. The possibilities are literally endless. The specific aim at this time would be to focus on providing library patrons with Information, Event Photos, E-library Demo, Book Reviews, and Discovering Library Resources.

https://c.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/ideum_mt_table_4.jpg

Establishing the hardware and web design will be the most complex aspect of this endeavor. However, once designed, this new device will be an interactive, participatory service between technology and patron. The maintenance will be minimal with occasional assistance needed for a blank screen reboot and possible monthly updates from the IT Department. Possible negative issues might include loss of internet connections since it would most likely be web based and too high of demand from interested customers.

Implementation: A phenomenal resource for seeing this technology in action is Jeff Han’s TED conference (2006). In this presentation he discusses how it is a technology that can push the boundaries with interactive capabilities while being utilized in many different situations and formats. He reiterates this form of technology is a relatively affordable device with the primary cost being the multi-touch screen, central processing unit, or development of apps. Reinforcing this perspective is Ratledge (2016), wherein he discusses the reality of this technology already being implemented in various business ventures. He also points out that this technology can be static as well as interactive. Most important, his article examines the various ways in which this multi-touch technology can be affordable for numerous functions.

Many libraries have already implemented multi-touch screen devices as a means of interacting with their patrons. North Carolina State University’s library discovered an issue when students would stop to wait in front of their static e-board in the front lobby. Initially, the display cycled through important information relative to the student’s needs such as the bus schedule or computer availability maps. As a means of addressing this issue, staff agreed that establishing a touch screen kiosk could allow students to access the desired information without causing them to stand around waiting for it to reappear in the cycle. Another fantastic example of this interactive technology, comes from the DOK library. Ahead of the curve, they have imbedded RFID technology in their patrons’ library cards which is able to interact with the screen of the multi-touch table centrally located in the library. Through this action, the patrons have access to viewing relevant archival information. Clearly, many libraries have embraced this technology and considering the many options available incorporating it into our library system seems like an obvious next step.

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Conclusion: As part of the library’s mission statement, our intent is to inform, educate, inspire, and entertain. Providing access to an interactive form of technology in the multi-touch screen is an obvious way of engaging our patrons while illuminating just how diverse this technology can be in introducing new programs and services. Being able to inspire our younger patrons to connect to their community through various photographs while lending the opportunity to think outside of the box in developing some of their own ideas that may be useful or easily implemented on the screen may assist the library in finding new ways of addressing the community. The cost/benefit factor in this development would greatly outweigh any negative possibilities as seen with many examples of its implementation in other library systems. Libraries willing to embrace this technology will have the option of finding new opportunities to connect with those who keep our doors open with their desire to learn, connect, and grow into the future.

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