Nathan Lambert
Chief Technology Officer
Case Western Reserve University
Timothy Robson
Deputy Director
Case Western Reserve University
The Public WOW interface can be thought of as an artistic expression of real-time library activity at Case Western Reserve University. In its most primitive form, it is a fun and interesting look at otherwise mundane statistics. With the help of Optiem LLC and, specifically, co-founder Clyde Miles, a concept similar to a stock ticker was created highlighting the idea that library usage is no single activity, transaction, location or person. Libraries are being used all times of day in myriad ways. Library usage is not just people sitting in chairs in Kelvin Smith Library (KSL) or other buildings on campus. The University’s customers are using the institution’s Web site services all over the globe. It is also people conducting searches in the school’s databases and catalog, it is customers using the University’s Web site, it is people walking in and out of KSL, as well as people transacting materials at the circulation desks.
In an industry that is challenged to constantly demonstrate its value proposition to its users, libraries have traditionally struggled with raising awareness of the many ways people use their services. It is hoped that this captivating display of perpetual real-time activity will spark a series of similar expressions through the library community and beyond into other customer service spaces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRRipVqST6c&feature=player_embedded
http://library.case.edu/ksl/librarystats.aspx
http://www.optiem.com/
