Last Spring the PR & Marketing Committee recommended the purchase of electronic signage to provide users and staff with up-to-date information as they walk in the door.   As you know, we suggested the Phoenix Piitch ultra-thin touch screen kiosk for the total cost of $6,665.00.   After review, the LEC declined the proposal.  Recently, the concept of purchasing a form of electronic signage was encouraged again.  The Committee now forwards its recommendation to you. After careful consideration we have chosen this design for your approval as it is a cost-effective multimedia tool to transmit information, addressing the needs of those who prefer digital communication and providing another way to identify and access information.

Flat Screen Digital Sign May/Steve and Simmona or Joe were going to find out what software other places use.  Below is one example of a package.  There are other websites below that with comparable products.    We want a 42" ( LCD or plasma) screen. 

• Hardware   ????????????     
• Software ?????????????  
• Cost

• Other Options:
• Visix - http://www.visix.com/
• Firesign - http://www.firesign.net/
• ConnectedSign - http://www.connectedsign.com/
• Scala - http://www.scala.com
• Campaign Manager - http://www.ryarc.com/campaignmanager.aspx(maybe this is the second option after Navory Tycoon Controler?

Purpose: The flat-screen monitor will provide an additional tool for the distribution of information in support of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery mission to "provide the highest quality information, resources and services for UMBC's growing and evolving teaching, learning, research and service environment," as well as the University's overall goal to provide services and resources for a culturally rich and diverse campus community.

Information to be Displayed: The display will be used to announce information on daily and special events, Library hours, network problems, location of resources, as well as to display photos, highlight Library services and programs, and give special recognition to a donor or student.  This will be done by  pulling content dynamically from the website (e.g. Spotlight, News, Calendar of Events, etc.) and other data sources.

Location: The Committee recommends one of three location options listed below. 

1)     Mounted on the pillar directly to the right as you walk through the metal detectors (show image)

2)     Suspended from the second floor railing, with the top of the screen at the ceiling, and the rest hanging down (show image)( this option seems best  to me - it does not prevent the incoming people to look at different directions on the floor -Circulation, Reference, etc. )

3)     Positioned on the security desk (show image)

Management:      

• LITS oversees the technical implementation and maintenance of the flat screen.
• The Web Librarian (and Web group)??? is responsible for content.
  • Content is for Library functions, activities, and services.
  • All Library personnel are encouraged to submit relevant content, e.g. library activities and events, to the Web Librarian.
  • Special national events/emergencies will be broadcast as a live cable news feed????
  • Who is responsible for the design & editing the content??? (Perhaps Web group?)