SLIC’s Digital Champions network meets regularly throughout the year to discuss the latest ideals and developments in digital innovation. The group is made up of representatives from all 32 public library services in Scotland and promotes digital participation. Here SLIC Programme Officer Tara Hepburn talks about the group’s recent trip to Motherwell Library.
Digital Champions from across Scotland’s library services met in Motherwell Library, North Lanarkshire, this month for an in-person session focused on digital innovation.
The Digital Champions Network brings together representatives from public library services across Scotland, giving colleagues the opportunity to share ways they are using technology to develop modern, engaging services for their members.
Thirty Champions attended the session, with North Lanarkshire Libraries showcasing some of the impressive technology available at Motherwell Library. The group visited the library’s immersive room, which uses large-scale projections across the walls to create interactive environments and experiences. Champions got to see it in action by splitting into teams for a 90s-themed escape room challenge against the clock.
The group also explored the library’s makerspace, with some getting the chance to create their own mugs, and experiment with green screen technology using simple and affordable apps and materials.
Digital Inspiration
The group then heard from South Lanarkshire Libraries about their fantastic project Lending Voices, which gives library users access to podcasting equipment to record and create their own audio content. The group were able to try out the equipment for themselves and hear more about how the popular project was funded, and how it works in practice.
It was an inspiring and enjoyable day, with plenty of ideas for Champions to take back to their own services. A huge thank you to North Lanarkshire Libraries for hosting, South Lanarkshire Libraries for sharing Lending Voices with the group, and to all of our Digital Champions who brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the session, including those who travelled from as far afield as Aberdeen and Angus.
