While in New York, I visited the New York Public
Library expecting to find an awesome part of US history
preserved in an extremely beautiful building. While this was true,
I came across several instances of the Public Library utilizing
technology in a very cool, fun way.
The first item I found was an iPad app called NYPL Biblion:
World's Fair:
"Enter
the World of Tomorrow and experience the 1939-40 New York World's
Fair through the collections of The New York Public Library!
Biblion: The Boundless Library is designed to take you - all but
literally - into the Library's legendary stacks, opening up hidden
parts of the collections and the myriad story lines they hold and
preserve. In this free app you will hold documents, images, films,
audio, and essays directly from the collections right in your
hands."
Information and download the free app
While exploring the Public Library I came across several items
throughout that had a small QR code on them. 100 of these artifacts
exist throughout the library and are all part of a Find the Future game. The game allows
players to collaboratively write a book using their smart phones to
scan the barcodes. Each scan provides information on the artifact,
its historical significance, and its impact on the future. Check
out more information or signup!
The Find the Future game will be available for free to anyone
visiting the New York Public Library through 2011.
Follow the New York Public Library on Twitter: @nypl
- Chad Schulz
Internet Improvement Engineer