[OPLINTECH] Drive-in storytime

[Ed Liddle]

Could an icecast server running on an existing local wifi network that 
is available outside of the building be used in a similar fashion? 
Perhaps it could run on a Raspberry pi https://icecast.org/

A link to the icecast server could be provided on a the library webpage, 
information about it could be put on signage outside the building at 
locations where people would use the wifi. I suspect more people would 
carry a smart phone with them if they don't drive a motorized vehicle 
compared to a portable AM/FM radio. If they do drive a motorized 
vehicle, they may already have their smartphone setup to use the 
vehicle's sound system to take phone calls, read audio books and listen 
to music.

-Ed Liddle
Marysville Public Library


On 6/25/20 3:07 PM, Chad Neeper via OPLINTECH wrote:
> Cross-posted to OPLINList and OPLINTECH:
>
>
> Peering into the crystal ball, it seems that the next few years could 
> possibly be harder than usual...perhaps even permanently make-or-break 
> for some, especially smaller, libraries. Online storytimes and other 
> programs that leverage the internet are a good temporary short-term 
> stop-gap measure for keeping the library in the local community's 
> minds, but I think it could have a net negative effect for 
> small/mid-sized libraries after several months.
>
> I remember as a kid calling in to a local library and listening to the 
> weekly stories over the phone. I enjoyed that. I'm wondering if anyone 
> has done a version of that using an FCC Part 15 (permitted unlicensed) 
> AM or FM transmitter. They seem to be a reasonably priced and quite 
> achievable way to attract people specifically to a local library for a 
> drive-in style visit. You could have regularly scheduled times for 
> staff-read stories, either live or pre-recorded and played at 
> various intervals. You could have contests to highlight local authors 
> (both child and adult) and have their stories read. I'm sure there's a 
> bunch of other good ideas out there. _Most importantly_, being a very 
> short-range broadcast limited pretty much to your parking lot and/or 
> building, people are required to visit the library to participate (to 
> the parking lot at the very least...regardless of whether or not the 
> library is open for normal business.) It enhances the library's 
> specific value to the local community come levy time and has none of 
> the negatives that an internet-based storytime program has like 
> disassociating a potential or casual patron from your specific library.
>
> Has anyone done this with an FCC Part 15 AM/FM transmitter? What kind 
> of issues did you encounter/overcome? What kind of programs did you 
> implement and seem to work well? (children storytimes, adult 
> storytimes, contestes, other ideas/uses?)
>
>
> From the FCC:  Low Power Radio - General Information:
> https://www.fcc.gov/media/radio/low-power-radio-general-information
>
> From a quick Google search about Part 15 transmitters available to 
> purchase:
> https://www.hobbybroadcaster.net/resources/Part-15-transmitters.php
> (Not an endorsement of any kind for the website nor any transmitter or 
> manufacturer you might find there...do your own homework!!)
>
> ______________________________
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>
> *
> *
> *
> Chad Neeper*
> Senior Systems Engineer
>
> *Level 9 Networks*
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>
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