This workshop was taught by Elizabeth Thomsen from NOBLE (consortium from North of Boston). I was also glad to be able to run into Dina, a former co-worker of mine from Westford. It's always nice to meet up with former colleagues.
Elizabeth basically went over some online 3D programs that are used to teach young people Information Literacy. I was already familiar with one of the products, Google Earth, but it was good to see it used in different ways. It's a great tool for teaching where we are in relation to other parts of the world. Unfortunately, Google Earth requires a fairly robust Internet speed , so I'm not sure it would work well on all of our patron computers.
She also pointed out a product called Google SketchUp, in which one can design 3D drawings. (It's really quite amazing). If a librarian wants to do a model of the library, for instance, or a model of a proposed library renovation, this is a very handy tool. Elizabeth also suggested using it to do a YA program. (I actually asked Elizabeth after the workshop how software like that could be used in relation with libraries). Even if it's not something I would use, immediatly for the library, I do feel it's important to be familiar with what software is out there, so that I can be in the know when patrons ask about it.
Elizabeth also mentioned 3D Replicators which are basically printers for 3D objects. They're very amazing, but the fact the technology exists is amazing to me. For now, one can send in a Sketchup to a company called Shapeways and receive his or her object in the mail.
You can read more about Elizabeth's thoughts on this subject from a post on her blog.
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