Introduction – Usability comes before technology “The best user experiences are enchanting. They help the user enter an alternate reality, whether it’s the world of making music, writing, sharing photos, coding, or managing a project.” – Kathy Sierra Proximity technology is a term that loosely brings together location-based technologies such as Bluetooth Beacons, Geofencing, QR […]
Reimagining library spaces – a workshop on creating engaging community spaces
As part of HotHouse programme, we recently ran a collaborative workshop at Deptford Library on reimagining library spaces using digital technologies. The aim of the workshop was to introduce different technologies and demonstrate how they can help provide new ways for people and communities to engage with libraries and other community spaces creatively. Participants […]
Unusual Libraries: Talk at the British Library
Here at Artefacto we’re always inspired and delighted to talk about libraries to anyone, any day of the week. So it’s with additional delight, that one day of this week, one of our co-founders will be heading over to the British Library to take part in a panel discussion as part of the BL’s ‘Between […]
6 (and a half) tips for running awesome workshops and training events
A summary of some of the lessons learned the hard way while delivering workshops and training over the last 10 years. Make it welcoming for people of different skill levels Make all advertising and communication friendly and encouraging. Attending workshops and training, particularly technology-based ones, can be incredible intimidating for some people. Using friendly and […]
Announcing Making Library Makers – a new online course for library makers
Yesterday was a big day, first with a library makers event at Clapham Library where staff from a bunch of different libraries came to hear about makerspaces and participate in some speed making. It was attended by staff from Essex, Surrey, Bexley, Hackney, Kent, Oxfordshire and more. And of course our awesome hosts from Lambeth. […]
DIY digital signage for libraries, museums, galleries & archives
What is Digital signage? Digital signage, displaying content on a screen in public spaces, is a great way to promote library, gallery and museum services, list upcoming events and generally keep users up-to-date with what’s going on in your space. But beyond the information aspects of digital signage, it also has the potential to encourage […]
Alexa in the library – Exploring voice user interfaces
Intro – Alexa, what is Alexa? Alexa is the (relatively) new voice-controlled AI assistant developed by Amazon. It (she?) is the voice service that powers the Echo and Echo Dot devices. You can also roll your own Alexa device using a Raspberry Pi. The Echo and Echo Dot are Amazon’s 360 degree bluetooth speakers that […]
Making at Surrey Libraries Staff Day
On Wednesday, Carlos and I attended the Surrey Library Staff Conference 2016 at Dorking Hall. We arrived just in time to catch a truly inspiring talk by Erik Boekesteijn which he titled Extreme Library Makeover. Erik gave an overview of some of the awesome projects he’s been involved in at Doklab and he makes a […]
Artefacto Adventures in India
Earlier this year we were delighted to begin a new collaboration with the British Council in India, which saw us commissioned to produce a special Library Wall to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death (one of 2016’s notable anniversary dates – alongside the Great Fire of London; Battle of the Somme; and the birthdays […]
Becoming a Library Data Wrangler to Reckon With
There are a lot of good, strong reasons for librarians to work with data. In fact, we already do work with data, both big and small on a daily basis. But you may have also noticed even more data-related tasks creeping into your workday and maybe even a subtle shift from information to data management […]