Grants for DMLs

When most people hear any title with the word "digital" in it, the first thing they think of is money.  That's understandable as most libraries are constantly having to juggle budgets that are truly scarce in their available funds.  Not to worry, though.  No need to fret, my fellow librarians.  The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has made it their business to support these organizations with digital tools to reach the masses.  One such grant they are connected to, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, has garnered a large amount of prominence as it has helped several museums and libraries across the nation help feed the digital needs of their respective communities.  This foundation's main focus "supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world" ("About Us," 2015).  The entire pledge really sums up what digital media labs seek to accomplish and how libraries that choose to incorporate them are knowledgeable of just what an inclusion of such a lab would bring to their patrons.  As of 2014, this foundation has authorized $203.5 million grants.  That's impressive and it shows their commitment to helping institutions like libraries fund digital media labs that will greatly benefit all who use them.  Just ask the Kansas City (MO) Public Library who received $100,000 to develop their DML specifically for their teen population in 2012!

References

About us.  (2015).  In The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Retrieved October 26, 2015, from https://www.macfound.org/about/. 

creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world - See more at: https://www.macfound.org/about/#sthash.yMWoVvMo.dpuf

creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world - See more at: https://www.macfound.org/about/#sthash.yMWoVvMo.dpuf

Skokie Public Library: A DML for Every Age Group

The Skokie Public Library seems to really be catering to the needs of their users as their About Us page on their website states "we help you discover and learn new things, enrich your life, and exchange ideas with our materials, technologies, and experiences" ("About Us," n.d.).  I like that their message is personal and grabs at you with key terminology that makes you want to purposefully step into their library to see what they have awaiting for you inside.  Their Digital Media Lab is just as impressive. It boasts three different age levels to which users can identify with as they let their imaginations run wild with creativity.  The first age level is for adults with a second level for high school users; the last age level is dedicated to their youth.  Equipped with four Apple computers with an array of different software to choose from, the Adult Digital Media Lab is really prepared for the user who has a keen sense of digital productivity.  It has the usual lab essentials such as microphones with stands, headsets, and multimedia speakers, but what I found to be really cool is their musical collection that would surely be inspiring to a budding artist.   They have for use a USB turntable, an electric drum set, and an electric guitar that can all be connected to the computer where further editing can take place.  Basically, anyone could drop in, write a song, perform the song, and mix it with other sound recordings and they’d have a full-fledged rock-star single on their hands!  To see how one of their patrons has made tremendous use out of their DML technologies, check out the video out below.   

 References

About Us.  (n.d.).  In Skokie Public Library.  Retrieved October 21, 2015, from https://skokielibrary.info/about/