Michael Casey
From Social Software Showcase
The AudioIndex utilizes RFID technology to create a more user friendly library for visually impaired customers. By using simple off-the-shelf technologies in a very unique way, the AudioIndex device "reads" information to the visually impaired. An RFID tag in shelved materials and a handheld device with an RFID antenna work together to link the customer with a computer record that can use speech software to read titles, book descriptions, library customer reviews, etc., to the user.
RFID tagged library shelving and signage, including directional and instructional signs, allow the visually impaired customer to make far more (independant) use of the library. And, by linking databased information -- whether its simple catalog entries or, hopefully, more detailed book information such as descriptions, reviews, user rankings, etc. -- the AudioIndexing system frees the visually impaired user and gives them access to just as much information as every other library user. But while this technology is just now being tested in Umea, Sweden, the possibilities are so great that libraries the world over should be looking to this new technology to ebetter serve their users.
It's not only the visually impaired who stand to benefit from the AudioIndex system. Customers who speak other languages and those who do not understand our classification systems could use AudioIndex to translate and direct them to the areas and materials they seek. Much like the museum-goer who wears an audio device around their neck for guided tours, any library user could take advantage of the AudioIndex system to better navigate our stacks and get instant information about any of our shelved materials without having to go back to a computer.
Pushing information (content) to the library user while they are in the stacks allows those users to more quickly locate and evaluate materials without forcing them to find an open computer and look up each item of interest. Such a system also allows users to shelf-browse in the same way they currenty browse Amazon or Netflix. By being able to listen to book descriptions or reviews while looking at the item means that they will be better informed and get their materials more quickly. Adapting this system to portable computers, PDAs, phones, etc., means that we will be able to seamlessly integrate the library's information with our customer's devices.
Information
The Three Musketeers: Final report on Bibliotek 2007 (PDF File)
