Leith Haarhoff & Tyler Benson (Palmerston North Libraries) - A model for relevant technology
Channel: NDF - National Digital Forum
Date: 07/12/2016

A model for relevant technology programming in libraries
Leith Haarhoff & Tyler Benson (Palmerston North Libraries, Community Services)

11:30am - 12:00pm Wednesday 23 November, Angus

Many GLAM organisations are looking to technology to solve problems. Sometimes the rush to set up Makerspaces, 3D printing, coding and robotics classes can seem like a desperate move to prove our relevancy. So, how do we develop relevant technology programmes that are in high demand in our communities? How do we learn the skills we need or inject the technical skills we need? How do we work effectively with strategic partners? What sort of projects and programmes will provide purpose and context for high tech in libraries? How do we do high tech programmes that are affordable?
The Technology Summer Challenge (TSC) was a collaborative pilot that sought to provide a model that demonstrates the answers to these and other questions.
TSC was delivered at Palmerston North Libraries and Community Services by a Massey University School of Engineering student and involved children (aged 10 to 16) from across the city. By putting together school pupils and engineering students in a well-equipped, fun, and challenging environment at the library, TSC was designed to encourage young people to choose Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) themed careers.
The pilot demonstrated that the TSC model:
 • is relevant and in high demand in our communities;
 • is desirable to strategic partners (education);
 • provides purpose and context for high tech in libraries;
 • is an excellent way for staff to learn highly valuable skills;
 • injects expertise into libraries from tertiary education;
 • is affordable and achievable;
 • is scalable.

Leith Haarhoff is Digital Strategist at Palmerston North City Libraries and Community Services. His job is to steer the organisation towards a digital future that is inclusive and sensational. Leith has a wealth of expertise in managing digital heritage projects, websites and community digital projects. Current projects Leith is working on include DIGITS (digital inclusion for 1,000 families in Palmerston North); 3D Printing, Makerspace; Seamless Discovery, Technical Programming and Manawatu Heritage ( a new digital heritage repository).

Tyler Benson is an final year Engineering Student at Massey University, Palmerston North. Tyler was the lead organiser for the successful Technology Summer Challenge, a holiday programme focused on getting higher student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Tyler is researching into what makes programmes like the Tech Summer Challenge successful and how can we better encourage students to take up a STEM related career.