On May 25-26, a group of 20 library representatives attended the Hackathon Follow-up conference and shared the most innovative technology projects developed in this field.
To facilitate the fast-growing interest in programming and animation activities, Novateca facilitated the first Hackathon edition for network libraries in June 2016, challenging them to explore animation and graphic design elements and develop interactive programming services.
During the event, participants presented modern library services on vlogging (Municipal Library “B.P. Hasdeu”), tablet animations (National Library for Children “Ion Creanga”), touch typing (Drochia Raion Public Library), Digital DJ (Causeni Raion Public Library), augmented 3D reality and LEGO robots (Falesti Raion Public Library) and cyber security (Ialoveni Raion Public Library).
“Thanks to the Hackathon activities, library IT specialists have developed new programming skills and reached an advanced IT level," said Dinu Cantemir, IT Specialist at Drochia Raion Library. “Before I attended these activities, I thought my role was just to procure and repair library’s technical equipment. Today, I replicate the touch typing modern service in other libraries from our raion.”
Although these services can be easily implemented by any library, their initiation is conditioned by two major aspects and namely, community necessities and funding. To address these issues, participants were trained to conduct surveys among citizens and identify external sources of funding that would expand their possibilities beyond the budget allocated by local public authorities.
In this context, Izbiste Public Library from the Criuleni raion launched several surveys and fundraising campaigns, becoming a strong example for other libraries in the network to follow. The most recently launched fundraising campaign aims to collect funds for the renovation of the library playground for children.
“This event allowed me to understand the importance of the sustainability component of the robotics service I conduct at the library and to pay more attention to advocacy activities,” said Mihail Juncu, a robotics instructor at Falesti Raion Library.
The participants at the event committed to replicate the example of the Izbiste village library and to conduct at least one survey identifying external sources of funding, by conducting advocacy activities.
At the end of the event, library representatives identified a list of services that can be implemented by any network library in order to attract more users and increase their popularity. Touch typing, cyber security for beginners, driving rules and auto simulators, programming and Digital DJ were only a few of the services recommended.