AV Magazine: The Library of Congress has opened The Source, an experiential research gallery where interactive AV technology helps children explore primary sources independently.
Part of the A Library for You initiative, the 370 sq metre space uses projection-mapped animation, RFID-enabled objects and digital workstations to introduce visitors aged eight to 15 to the library’s vast collections in film, text, sound and image.
2 comments:
I loved this article! I thought the project’s approach, combining actual research techniques with high-tech displays, interactivity, and virtual representations of actual artifacts was really interesting! I think it’s really important to get kids interested in learning when they’re young, and the colorful, fun, museum-esq style of The Source is a great way to do that. It also teaches them actual research skills, allowing them to find what they need on their own timeline, providing support while also letting them grow at their own rate. I think it’s fantastic that this was done by the Library of Congress, since they have such an extensive collection of sources and research materials; it’s the perfect place to give kids access to in order to ensure that they’ll have anything they need for their projects. As a whole, I really liked this article, and I think that The Source will be a great addition to the Library For You initiative.
There's a lot to like in this Library of Congress venture, but I have some minor qualms with it from a design perspective. Ever since someone pointed out that a lot of modern theme park attractions are built around screens or projections rather than physical decorations because digital decor 1. cost less and 2. is less of a hassle to retheme when whatever property the ride/show is based on stops being popular, any sort of screen-based attraction has had this inescapable pall over it. I don't know -- I like the physical world! I like things you can touch, things in 3D space, things with texture. When I began to read this article and was met with a lot of screen-based attractions, I felt myself deflate a bit. Of course, there are plenty of beautiful, interactive, and (as Kevin Hines would put it) meat-world research tools on display (the microfilm display being a personal favorite), but I still feel a little torn on some of the choices made. Despite that, getting kids into research and sifting through databases is a very admirable goal, no matter how you slice it.
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