Here are some more details about the iPad Wall:
• All the iPads would have specifically written software and be interconnected to each other wirelessly. Apple's software policy for such a project would determine the final method of delivery.
• You could see all the latest book releases on the wall! You could also do a book search, email, browse the net or leave a book review on the wall.
• If you just tap on a book cover, you could read the summary. You could also download the book to your own device (or show you how to find a physical copy within the library if it was that kind of library).
• You could borrow a book electronically. It could be free and the book you download from the library wall just expires at a certain time. (e.g. a time protected PDF) It would be different from buying an e-book.
• If you can't reach the book on the top tile, you could digitally drag the closet tile to you and the books would move along and come closer to you. (This works because all tiles are interconnected wirelessly)
• If you just tap on a book cover, you could read the summary. You could also download the book to your own device (or show you how to find a physical copy within the library if it was that kind of library).
• You could borrow a book electronically. It could be free and the book you download from the library wall just expires at a certain time. (e.g. a time protected PDF) It would be different from buying an e-book.
• If you can't reach the book on the top tile, you could digitally drag the closet tile to you and the books would move along and come closer to you. (This works because all tiles are interconnected wirelessly)
• Librarians could install additional softwares into the wall for additional uses E.g. trivia games, RSVP to an up coming event, etc.
• The library could also organize events using the wall. E.g. movie nights, presentations, displays of multimedia artwork, video game events, etc.
• Through creative software, the wall would encourage social interaction. E.g. a Harry Porter themed Pictionary game at a fans gathering, or a game of Twister with a few friends in which you could compare scores globally.
• The wall can also become “digital lockers” where you can store a special video on a particular iPad tile and getting your loved one to come and retrieve it on Valentines Day (but only at the wall!)
• Communities would certainly come up with other innovative use of the combined horsepower of these iPads. E.g. use the combined storage capacity for a digital history archive of the city, including books, news, art, recordings and other footages.
The library has always been a place for storing books, finding books, borrowing books and providing comfortable, quiet spaces for people to read. With the introduction of e-books and Google's effort to digitalize all the books in the world, the potential for libraries to change is thrilling to CHC. Upcycling old iPads and turning them into a large social computer wall that expands the function of the library is just one way to make the library a more exciting place to be.
So, why would someone still go to the library if they can download and read a book in the comfort of their own home? Well, why do people meet to play games at internet cafes? Why, for that matter, do people go to cafes at all!?
Architecture is changing with technology.
