2022 Emerging Technology Showcase

The 2022 RUSA Emerging Technologies Showcase will present, in coordination with our esteemed presenters and partners, a wide variety of library technologies currently in use, as well as offer the opportunity for up-close demonstrations and, for some applications, hands-on experience. The session will address issues with implementing technologies within public and university library environments, as well as best practices for promoting various emerging technology tools such as data visualization, STEM education, and more. The program will begin with an overview by the presenters, followed by the opportunity to select specific technologies of interest and receive more demonstration and, in some cases, to try the technology directly. This program is aimed at all library types and professionals who are looking for information on the successful application and management of interactive, virtual, and other emerging technologies.

The session will begin with brief overviews of each topic from each set of presenters after which attendees will be able to ask questions, see demonstrations, and interact with the presenter(s) of the topic(s) of greatest interest to them.

Library Digital Mapping Tool (Florida Southern College, Marina Morgan she/her/hers) - Find@Roux is an open-source custom web application, a “Find in Stacks” library tool that provides a unique library service by assisting users navigate the stacks virtually. As online access to library resources has become the norm, browsing habits have changed. When using this app., students, faculty, and staff spend less time navigating the physical stacks searching for specific items. I developed this web app. during the pandemic and my hope is this will serve as a model for libraries that do not have the budget to purchase an out-of-the-box proprietary solution.

Techmobile (Brooklyn Public Library - Carrie Banks she/they and Robert Weinstein he/him) - We bring this full accessible mobile technology lab and maker space into underserved and gap communities throughout Brooklyn to address the digital divide. Our programs provide information, education and entertainment to some of the least resourced areas in New York City. Whether it's recording a song, filling out an on-line application, connecting to wifi, getting a party going, learning to use an app or just downloading a book, we got you covered.

Drones and Robotics in Academic Libraries (University of Texas at Arlington - Martin Wallace he/him and Khoa Nguyen he/him) - UTA Libraries hosts a Drone Club, offers drones and robots for lending and course integration, provides drone & robotics training, and holds programs for K-12 outreach. In the RUSA Tech Showcase, Khoa Nguyen, UTA Libraries’ Drone Club and Drone Lending Program Coordinator will briefly describe each of these library offerings from his perspective as a student work-study employee. Martin Wallace, his supervisor, will provide some background and logistical challenges to making these services possible.

Augmented Reality Filter (Fashion Institute of Technology - Miyo Sandlin she/hers) - I will demonstrate how I built face filters for our library’s social media channels using digitized archival materials from our Special Collections Department and Facebook’s free augmented reality building platform, SPARK AR Studio. Face filters can be a low-cost and fun way of increasing engagement with patrons and provide unique opportunities for outreach and virtual events. It can also be an opportunity to open up new methods of hands-on accessible interaction to library collections that may be rare or fragile.

Sponsored by RUSA-ETS