solution for libraries: digital photo frames

We’re all looking for new, shinier, and better ways to promote ourselves to our customers. Or perhaps just a way to reduce the mass of paper signage. Usually, we think BIG- giant flat screens at entrances and service points flashing the latest event information or latest new materials…

Instead of a ginormous flat screen why not try digital photo frames at your service points? Digital photo frames are CHEAP these days and will allow you to scroll through those static images promoting your program showtimes, upcoming events, new materials, reminders about dvd’s or databases, or even photos from your last exciting event! $50-$100 will buy you a good 7-10 inch frame that you can easily add images to. But you can get fancier than that if you wish, a lot of digital photo frames today are interactive with the internet. Your desktops and bulletin boards will be clear and your customer will still be informed (and maybe even a little wowed). It’s a low investment, high return no-brainer.

Here’s some ideas on what you can put on your service-desk photo frames:

  • program showtimes
  • upcoming events
  • local weather (libraries are also an information center, after all)
  • new materials promotion
  • location of “quiet” or study rooms
  • clues for library treasure hunts
  • reminders about dvd’s, videogames, databases, classes, etc
  • photos from your last program
  • website URL
  • list of hours or upcoming holidays
  • pointers (ie, “go to the x desk and sign up for a library card,” “people wearing the red ‘Ask Me’ button are here to help”)
  • … what else? (share your ideas in the comments!)

Keep your content fresh with new material and make sure you have the scroll time set slow enough that people can read it, but fast enough that they know it actually scrolls.

If you are able to purchase a giant screen, make sure you’re utilizing to the best of it’s ability (read: not static images!). Have your library’s twitter stream scrolling at the bottom (like McMaster University), show current news, or the latest library vod-cast on how to access information about going green. Think outside the… screen. Seattle Public Library has multiple screens that show keyword clouds, recent books checked back in, live data and all sorts of fun LIVE data (the library is a living breathing thing, you know).

14 thoughts on “solution for libraries: digital photo frames”

  4. We started using picturep frames at each service desk as a way too remove the paper clutter and cut back on printing costs. We can use lots of eye-catching color and not worry about the inject costs. Our handouts/reminders are down to quarter sheet or bookmark size, with limited color.
    It’s working great, many positive public comments, and other parts of the city have notice and started to emulate us. :-)

  6. What a fabulous idea! Most of clients head directly to the clinic area of our centre. Once there, they tend not to leave in case they are called for a doctor. This will be a great way to showcase our new additions to the Resource Centre.
    I’m very new to the blog world but am now hooked.

  7. Pingback: Use Digital Photo Frames to Promote Events @ Library Sparks

  8. My library has for years used the screen saver on our public computers for signage. The down side is that this only works when the computer is idle. Excellent idea!

  9. Another possibility: labels made of electronic paper. Not so colorful and shiny, but also practical, eg. on the bookshelves, shelfends. Currently it is only in shops but it’s only question of time to install it in the libraries: http://penzcentrum.hu/cikk/1023437/1/vilagujdonsag_a_magyar_boltok_polcain_+_fotok (article in Hungarian language). Centrally alterable content. Probable use in libraries: books advisory, weblinks, navigation tool to users (hallo, here’s the book you’re looking for), instructions to library contests) etc. Requires electricity only in case of altering the data on it.

  10. We saw this idea on publib and embraced it about a year or so ago. We placed the frames on the Reference Desk, at the Customer Service Desk, and on the wall near the children’s Reference Desk. The slides are created in Photoshop and saved as jpgs. My IT department took the idea one step further and also made the slides available as screen savers on our stand-alone catalogs.

    I would still like to have one ginormous flat-screen to hang on the wall, but the digital frames are definitely a cheaper option with nearly the same impact.

  12. Great idea! Our campus has many of the larger screens in different buildings, this would be a great way to not only replace the plethora of signage at the main desk (or my resource center). Do you secure your frame?

  13. @Diane – i actually don’t have a physical reference desk to attach anything to (I run a vr service!) :-) but i’d imagine it might be something to think about if you’re worried about it walking!

    what do others do?

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