[OPLINTECH] Drive-in storytime

[Chad Neeper]

Thanks, Ed. That's an interesting project...While I've been aware of and
have used internet radio stations in years past, I wasn't specifically
aware of how the back end was handled and I haven't thought about them in a
good long time.

Chad
______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in public libraries*


On Thu, Jun 25, 2020 at 4:59 PM Ed Liddle via OPLINTECH <
oplintech at lists.oplin.org> wrote:

> 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!!)
>
> ______________________________
> *My personal OPLINTECH & OPLINLIST policy:*
>
> *I am no longer responding off-list to topical replies sent only/directly
> to me.*
> *Libraries have a wonderfully amazing reputation for openness and sharing,
> a concept I support and encourage. **Your thoughts are useful and
> valuable. As always, I beg you to share them publicly so that other
> libraries can benefit from them and participate in a conversation**.*
>
>
> * Chad Neeper*
> Senior Systems Engineer
>
> *Level 9 Networks*
> 740-548-8070 (voice)
> 866-214-6607 (fax)
>
> *Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in public libraries*
>
> _______________________________________________
> OPLINTECH mailing listOPLINTECH at lists.oplin.orghttp://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
>
> *** *** Send automatic notifications to your library's patrons from your ILS, at no charge!  https://www.oplin.ohio.gov/sms  ***  ***
>
> _______________________________________________
> OPLINTECH mailing list
> OPLINTECH at lists.oplin.org
> http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
>
> *** *** Send automatic notifications to your library's patrons from your
> ILS, at no charge!  https://www.oplin.ohio.gov/sms  ***  ***
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.oplin.org/pipermail/oplintech/attachments/20200629/544eed88/attachment-0001.htm>