What Is The Internet of Things and
How Can We Use It?Nicole C. Engard
Internet of Things
Connect to analog things around us in a digital way
This includes everything from cell phones, coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps, wearable devices and almost anything else you can think of.
Anything that can be connected, will be connected.
Automation
Because these devices are all connected to the Internet tools like IFTTT (If This Then That) can be used to make them talk to each other - or to automate specific actions
https://ifttt.com/channels
IoT in our Libraries
While simple tools such as smart thermostats and light bulbs can be easily installed to save energy; right now most libraries don’t have the resources to make their libraries 100% smart
The possibilities are endless though …
RFIDLibraries are already using RFID for self checkout - but this technology can be used for so much more
RFID can we used in conjunction with applications to make loanable materials Internet enabled “things”
An RFID tag allows the the object to wirelessly communicate certain types of information - allowing libraries to provide information about the material to those with the proper handheld device/application
Popular AislesPressure pads under the floor could give the library a count of people browsing aisles in the library, helping with collection development and possible areas where improved signage might be required
“Grab” and Go
Using motion sensors patrons can find something on a public terminal, “grab” it and put it on their phone
Replacing the scraps of paper and tiny pencils for finding items in the library
Kinect : https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/kinectforwindows/
Motion Sensorshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYveEdhTgBs
See Also Suggestions
“Magic” mirrors could be added throughout the library that will be able to sense what title the patron is holding and …
recommend other like materials
mention related events in the library and around town
give a sneak peak in to the book (reviews, images, etc)
Library WearablePatrons could wear their “library card” to the library
The wrist band could hold all pertinent information about the patron
Scanning the band at self service stations could give the patron access to computers, their reading history, reading suggestions and more
http://bit.ly/dismagicband
BeaconsiBeacon (ibeacon.com) can be used to locate patrons in the library and offer suggestions for resources around them
see: http://www.fastcompany.com/3040451/elasticity/the-internet-of-things-plan-to-make-libraries-and-museums-awesomer
Library conferences can use beacon technology to give attendees a more comprehensive experience
see: http://www.sxsw.com/news/2015/introducing-ibeacon-technology-sxsw-2015
Staying FitStart a fit club at the library for those with Fitbits (or other fit devices) - have a competition or start up an event to do book walks/tours
Use IFTTT to post Fitbit (or other fit device) status to a club page or as a tweet with a club hashtag
Accessibility
Bring Talking (and Braille) Books to your patrons via their iOS device with BARD
“The BARD Mobile app provides access to braille and talking books directly from the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD). BARD contains nearly 50,000 books, magazines, and music scores in audio and braille formats, with new selections added daily.”
itunes.apple.com/us/app/bard-mobile/id705229586?mt=8
Device Availability
“[A] library with a 3D printer can set the device up to transmit to library servers when it is in use. The library can post this information as a feed to their website so that patrons interested in using the device can see when it is available. The data can even be recorded and analyzed to determine peak hours of use. Peak peak times can also to be displayed on the library website.”
libserra.com/the-internet-of-things-in-the-library/
Create an “Easy” Button
Bt.tn is an ‘easy’ button for anything!
Custom-branded cap with your logo and color
Stand-alone solution, connectivity via built-in Mobile Data or Wi-Fi
Integration to your systems via REST API
http://bt.tn/
Internet of Things Search
Thingful® is a search engine for the Internet of Things, providing a unique geographical index of connected objects around the world, including energy, radiation, weather, and air quality devices as well as seismographs, iBeacons, ships, aircraft and even animal trackers. Thingful’s powerful search capabilities enable people to find devices, datasets and realtime data sources by geolocation across many popular Internet of Things networks
https://thingful.net/
Your Imagination is the Limit
Internet of Things is about more than “things” it’s about design and bringing the digital into the analog world
Linked and Open Data are going to be key in our libraries
Think outside the box and fiction can become reality …
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” – Arthur C. Clarke.
References
Bibliography: https://www.zotero.org/nengard/items/collectionKey/I52I6EQZ
Tools: https://www.zotero.org/nengard/items/collectionKey/BZE43DIT
Bookmarks: https://delicious.com/nengard/internetofthings
Product Image LinksMagic Mirror: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B97k394jetk
Amazon Dash: https://www.amazon.com/oc/dash-button
Automatic: https://www.automatic.com/
Smart Umbrella: http://mashable.com/2015/03/19/bluetooth-umbrella-davek/
Huggies Nappy Notifier: https://vimeo.com/98505927
Intelligent Library Bookmark: http://www.toout.com/en/project_co_show.asp?id=139
Product Image LinksWeMo: http://www.belkin.com/us/Products/home-automation/c/wemo-home-automation/
Hue Lightbulb: http://www2.meethue.com/en-us/
Nest Thermostat: https://nest.com/
Smart Locks: http://www.august.com/
Fitbit: https://www.fitbit.com/
Smart Weather Station: https://www.netatmo.com/en-US/product