With a $100,000 grant, D.H. Hill Library will open an area featuring iPads, multi-touch computers and other emerging technology in the fall.
According to Maurice York, head of information technology, the library will use the grant to purchase an 8-by-12-foot touchscreen Perceptive Pixel display wall, to be located in the “technology sandbox,” in the Erdahl-Cloyd Wing.
York considers the screen the “Cadillac of multi-touch,” because of its accuracy and speed. The idea of the sandbox is for students and faculty to play with and learn how to use the state-of-the-art technology, as well as teach others how to use it. The area will house all the emerging technology the library has available for student and faculty use.
According to York, when the screen arrives in early fall, there will be a few applications already in place, such as photo and video. The library administration is searching for map applications, such as Google Maps, because this is one of the screen’s strong points. The screen also allows users to layer different applications on top of each other and see them at the same time.
Most touchscreen devices lag when touched, York said. But the Perceptive Pixel pinpoints movement and reacts in real time. There is no limit to the number of people who can access the screen and there are also an unlimited number of applications that can be open at any one time.
“The wall is perfect for a design student trying to map out a location and see three-dimensional pictures with all of the information layered,” York said.
According to David Hiscoe, director of communication strategies, the focus of the sandbox is not the technology, but the use of the technology. The library wants students to walk in, use the devices and collaborate with library administration.
He said the screen is designed so multiple devices can be plugged in simultaneously, and library administrators are trying to figure out a way multiple students can be on different computers, but plugged into the same screen working together. The sandbox is an area designed for students to come in and start working without having to ask.
“There are three purposes for the sandbox: to give students and faculty access to the latest technology starting with display technology, and furthermore to have access to that technology informally to be able to play with it hands on around the clock, as well as act as a testing ground for the future James B. Hunt Jr. Library,” Hiscoe said.
According to York, D.H. Hill will be the only university library with a Perceptive Pixel screen.
Hiscoe said the sandbox and the Perceptive Pixel screen is possible because of a $100,000 Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
“Students are the best teachers, the sandbox is a place for students to gather around and show each other how everything works,” Hiscoe said.
The main focus of the sandbox will be media creation, and it will also include two touchscreen Microsoft Surface devices and other devices the library already offers.
“Last year the library loaned out 100,000 different technology devices,” Hiscoe said. “The sandbox will make those devices more available.”
According to Hiscoe, the sandbox will create an exciting student experience that will give them an edge. Another goal is to take high-end technology and make sure everyone can use it.
“The hope is for the sandbox to develop organically. Right now it is just a starting point. Anyone should be able to walk into the sandbox and be able to use the devices,” York said. “In a couple years, this technology will be everything, however right now it isn’t. The idea is to let the students play with the technology that will probably be everywhere.”