technology


DoDeDoDo (Production)
Libraries

DoDeDoDo (Production)

It’s been several months since I posted up my prototype of an RFID based library reference tracker that I lovingly called the ‘DoDeDoDo’. Since then I’ve worked through several variations of case design, code, and wiring. I even added a blinky light to it! I feel now that it is fit for reproduction and have ironed out the many, many bugs that came with not really knowing what I was doing. I still don’t but I’ve learnt a lot along the way. If you are looking to replicate this system and roll it o
DoDeDoDo Web – Reference STAT(S)!
Libraries

DoDeDoDo Web – Reference STAT(S)!

Back in July I wrote about an RFID location based enquiry tracking system (DoDeDoDo) and two months later I’ve moved on from prototype to production and they are working relatively ok. There are some bugs to work out before I present a new write up and I’ve modified the code slightly to make it easier to troubleshoot and added an LED because blinky lights are awesome. In the meantime I created a locally hosted, web based solution for staff in the workroom that I’m pretty happy with and wanted to
DoDeDoDo – A Location Based Enquiry Tracking System
GLAM Blog Club

DoDeDoDo – A Location Based Enquiry Tracking System

The Problem For years WA libraries have been tracking information requests/enquiries that staff (mostly front-of-house) handle in their day-to-day work. From this financial year onwards we are now required to break down these enquiries into five categories: * Reference transactions and information requests * eResource enquiries * Technical enquiries (including public PC and photocopier/printing help) * Community information and Government services enquiries * Any other enquiries (Includ
START FIX
GLAM Blog Club

START FIX

This month, as I was thinking about the Aus GLAM Blog Club theme of silence, I played Tacoma, the new game from Fullbright who did 'Gone Home'. Apart from being a great game that manages to be fun and inclusive it uses a very interesting mechanic that you could almost skip over - ASL. American Sign Language (ASL) is used almost as an aside when your character wants to interact with the space station's computer interface. Inputing in passwords or using it to run commands like 'start fix' to trigg
DIY Arcade Cabinet
arcade

DIY Arcade Cabinet

It took a weekend of swearing but it’s alive! A while ago I got the wonderful idea to run an adults event teaching library clients how to turn a Raspberry Pi into a retro arcade cabinet. The event went quite well as I had the funds to give clients their own Pi to take home (they’re not that expensive and I limited to 10 Pis). Limited Pis meant encouraging groups so I ended up with families coming along, couples, friends and even one group of four gentlemen who wanted to try their hand at pro
Libraries, Earl Grey, Hot
3D Printer

Libraries, Earl Grey, Hot

For those not familiar with Star Trek this post will look at my experiences purchasing and running a 3D printer in my public library. Back in July 2013 I acquired funding to purchase a Makerbot Replicator 2 and since September  3D printing services have been available to the public (both members and non-members) with positive results. I’m not going to talk about what a 3D printer is or how it works as there are plenty of resources for all that (or shameless plug: you can come to my workshop at
Mmmmm...Pi
hack

Mmmmm...Pi

A while ago I got the idea to use Raspberry Pi’s as replacement OPACs in my library. Cheap, linux based computers with a very small footprint made them the ideal choice for slim mount terminals on bay ends. Sadly there were issues with mounting them on the ends of shelving units (no power, networking etc.) so they just remained where they were for now but they still work. There is only one supplier of Raspberry Pi’s in Australia and that’s Element14 who were very helpful in setting up invoicin