Explore the potential of dynamic digital signage for libraries. Learn how it enhances engagement and transforms the public library experience.
Libraries have long been sanctuaries of knowledge, bridging the gap between generations. A library is a vital anchor of the community. As the world progresses into the digital era, these institutions are also embracing technological advancements. This is to help stay current and cater to the evolving needs of their patrons.
One such advancement libraries are using is the incorporation of digital signage. This is a tool that brings a fresh dimension to the library environment. Through this combination of tradition with cutting-edge technology, libraries are preserving their foundational role in society. Plus, this also enhances the experience and atmosphere for every visitor who walks through their doors.
In this article, we will explore how libraries utilize digital signage. These institutions can use digital signage to display upcoming events, promote new book acquisitions, and provide patrons with timely information. This technology offers an efficient way for libraries to communicate and engage with their visitors, ensuring they receive up-to-date announcements and news.
What is Digital Signage?
Think of digital signage as the new-age bulletin board or notice board for the library, a board where you can display announcements, new book arrivals, or special events. Digital Signage is an electronic display that is used to inform or advertise to audiences. Commonly found in public spaces, these displays can showcase a variety of content, from promotional videos, and live data feeds, to graphics, texts, and more.
Digital signage is often controlled remotely through specialized software. This software allows users to update content, schedule displays, and tailor messages to different audiences, all without having to manually change the actual sign. The primary advantage of digital signage over traditional signs is its dynamic nature. Content can be swapped out or modified quickly with ease.
Digital Signage in Libraries
Modern libraries need effective communication with their visitors. Imagine digital signage as the contemporary equivalent of a library's bulletin board, showcasing announcements, newly acquired books, and upcoming events. No longer do you need to allocate a significant portion of your budget to a traditional notice board when this advanced digital option is available.
How to Setup Digital Signage In Libraries
Here is a quick guide on how to set up digital signage in libraries. With these steps, you should be well on your way to setting up and running an effective digital signage system for your library.
1. Choosing Your Screen
If you're fortunate to already own a smart TV, particularly a Google TV or Amazon Fire TV, you're on the right track. Simply install the Display NOW Digital Signage Player App directly onto these TVs, and you're set to display content after registering with Display NOW.
Your ideal digital bulletin board could be any smart TV equipped with an HDMI port. Modern smart TVs, such as Google TV and Amazon Fire TV, are compatible with the Display NOW Digital Signage Player App.
Not to worry if you don't own the aforementioned brands. As long as your TV has an HDMI port, it's usable. But for this, one will need a player or adapter to make it work as for digital signage.
Adapters or Players
You don't need to spend too much on specialized digital signage screens. Often, a regular smart TV or screen will suffice. If it has an HDMI port, it's primed for digital signage. You can use any screen, even if it is not one of the above TV’s If it comes with an HDMI port, simply attach a Google TV Stick or Amazon Fire Stick to transform it.
You'll then have the capability to utilize our Display NOW Digital Signage Player App, centralizing management of your digital announcements, much like how one might oversee traditional boards throughout the library. These TV sticks are budget-friendly, often costing less than the price of several new books.
2. Content Management System (CMS)
Digital screens are as good as the content they display. And if you have multiple screens, managing what each displays can be a task. This is the content management system, Think of it as your control room where you orchestrate what shows on every screen, when it shows, and how it looks.
The Display NOW Content Manager stands out for being user-friendly. It's like having an intuitive catalog system. Librarians, whether they've been around for decades or just started last week, can easily understand and use it. With this system, you can quickly set up announcements, highlight new books, or schedule event reminders. It also promotes team efforts; multiple librarians can work on it simultaneously.
It is easy to register and sign up with Display NOW. Plus, they are the market leader when it comes to pricing and customer service.
3. Creating Content
As a business organizer, you'd want to display information about your services or products. Thankfully, the platform supports multiple formats, be it PDFs, videos, images, web pages, or presentations.
If you're starting from scratch and need content, Display NOW has got you covered. It integrates seamlessly with Canva, a leading graphic design tool. With hundreds of design templates, even those without a design background can whip up stunning visuals. And once your masterpiece is ready on Canva, it's a cinch to transfer it to your digital signage via Display NOW.
Best Uses of Digital Signage in Libraries
Incorporating digital signage in libraries not only modernizes the space but also enhances the patron experience, making libraries even more indispensable community centers.
Event Announcements
Libraries frequently host a variety of events, ranging from author talks and book signings to workshops, children's story hours, and educational seminars. Digital signage allows for these events to be prominently showcased, ensuring maximum visibility and participation. These displays can be updated in real-time, allowing for last-minute additions or changes to be communicated efficiently. For recurring events, digital signs can provide schedules, offering patrons a glance at what's coming up in the following weeks.
The visual appeal of digital signage can also be leveraged for events. Vibrant graphics, engaging animations, or even snippets of live-action videos can be used to draw attention and generate interest. For events requiring registration, QR codes can be displayed, allowing patrons to register on the spot using their smartphones.
Book Recommendations & Reviews
Using digital signage, libraries can showcase staff picks, patron reviews, or highlight titles that have gained recent popularity or awards. These displays can be interactive, allowing patrons to browse through different recommendations, read short reviews, or even watch video summaries or trailers for the books. Such features make the book selection process engaging and might introduce readers to genres or authors they haven't explored before.
Maps and Navigation
For larger libraries or those spread across multiple floors or sections, digital signage can serve as interactive maps or navigation aids. Visitors can quickly find where a particular section, genre, or resource area is located.
These signs can offer step-by-step directions, highlight special exhibits, or even guide users to meeting rooms or computer labs. The convenience provided by such navigation tools enhances the user experience, especially for first-time visitors.
Book Announcements
Whenever there's a new acquisition or a highly anticipated title becomes available, digital signage can broadcast these announcements. Libraries can highlight new arrivals, upcoming releases, or even titles that are currently in high demand. This keeps the library's collection fresh in the minds of patrons and encourages frequent visits to check out the latest additions.
Study Room Reservations
Digital signs placed outside study rooms or meeting areas can show reservation statuses. Patrons can easily see which slots are available. Additionally, if thereservation system has a web page that shows room status, you can easily show that on screens throughout the library. These connect hand-in-hand.
Local Community News
Digital signage in libraries can be a key source of local community news. By showcasing events, achievements, and important updates, libraries become not just a hub for books, but also for the community's pulse. This use ensures patrons are aware of neighborhood happenings, local school events, community service opportunities, or even local government announcements. Displaying such information strengthens the library's role as a central, trusted source of local information.
Tutorials & How-Tos
Screens can periodically display tutorials on using library resources, like e-catalogs, databases, or e-books. They can also provide quick tech tips, especially in libraries that lend out devices or have tech centers.
Multilingual Information
In diverse communities where multiple languages are spoken, digital signage can offer a boon. Libraries can display essential information, event details, or announcements in multiple languages, ensuring that all community members, regardless of their primary language, feel welcomed and informed. This inclusive approach ensures that language barriers don't hinder the spread of knowledge or the library experience.
Digital Art Displays
Digital screens can display artwork, photographs, or digital media projects from local artists, schools, or community members, adding a cultural dimension to the library experience.
Historical Archives & Exhibits
Libraries that have historical archives can showcase them digitally. Photos, newspaper clippings, and old documents can be displayed, allowing patrons to delve into local history or genealogy.
Emergency Instructions
While we hope they're never needed, digital signs can instantly display emergency evacuation plans or safety protocols during events like fires, ensuring patrons' safety.
Conclusion
Today's libraries are dynamic spaces that merge modern innovation with tradition, a library can be a bridge across generations. Integrating tools such as digital signage enhances a library's atmosphere, making it a vibrant community hotspot. Merging the timelessness of books with the vivacity of technology creates an environment that resonates with both young and old.
With platforms such as Display NOW, this transformation becomes simple. Offering ease of use, coupled with affordability, Display NOW ensures that transitioning into this digital frontier is both cost-effective and straightforward. These tools will be instrumental in ensuring libraries remain pivotal community anchors, as they are constantly rejuvenating their offerings. Want to give digital signage a try? Then sign up for your 14-day free trial today!
Author - Chris Dukich
Chris Dukich is a visionary problem solver and expert leader who is dedicated to guiding individuals and organizations towards achieving their goals. With a deep understanding of business needs, processes, and cutting-edge technologies, Chris possess the ability to identify, communicate, and unite all relevant parties in order to transform ambitious ideas into tangible realities. As the driving force behind Display NOW, a user-friendly digital signage platform, Chris empowers small business owners to unlock their full potential by equipping them with the necessary tools to attract, inform, and engage with their audience effortlessly.