It is Our Flagship: Surveying the Landscape of Digital Interactive Displays in Learning Environments

Lydia Zvyagintseva

doi:10.6017/ital.v37i2.9987

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of an environmental scan conducted as part of a Digital Exhibits Intern Librarian Project at the Edmonton Public Library in 2016. As part of the Library’s 2016–2018 Business Plan objective to define the vision for a digital exhibits service, this research project aimed to understand the current landscape of digital displays in learning institutions globally. The resulting study consisted of 39 structured interviews with libraries, museums, galleries, schools, and creative design studios. The environmental scan explored the technical infrastructure of digital displays, their user groups, various uses for the technologies within organizational contexts, the content sources, scheduling models, and resourcing needs for this emergent service. Additionally, broader themes surrounding challenges and successes were also included in the study. Despite the variety of approaches taken among learning institutions in supporting digital displays, the majority of organizations have expressed a high degree of satisfaction with these technologies.

Highlights

As part of the interior renovations, Edmonton (Alberta) Public Library (EPL) will have installed a large digital interactive display wall modeled after The Cube at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia
To prepare for the launch of this new technology service, EPL hired a digital exhibits intern librarian in 2016, whose role consisted of conducting research to inform the library in defining the vision for a digital display wall serving as a shared community platform for all manner of digitally accessible and interactive exhibits
Among public institutions represented in the study population, such as public libraries and museums, digital displays were most frequently installed in 2015

Summary

Introduction

As part of the interior renovations, EPL will have installed a large digital interactive display wall modeled after The Cube at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia. To prepare for the launch of this new technology service, EPL hired a digital exhibits intern librarian in 2016, whose role consisted of conducting research to inform the library in defining the vision for a digital display wall serving as a shared community platform for all manner of digitally accessible and interactive exhibits. The author carried out an environmental scan and a literature review related to digital display, as well as their consequent service contexts. For the purposes of this paper, “digital displays” refers to the technology and hardware used to showcase information, whereas “digital exhibits” refers to content and software used on those displays. Wherever the service of running, managing, or using this technology is discussed, it is framed as “digital display service” and concerns both technical and organizational aspects of using this technology in a learning institution

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