Project Sheldon

The Participatory Library App

Project Sheldon is an app with a mission: keep communities connected & engage staff in developing mobile tech solutions to common library challenges.

Implementation: Most online event calendars are capable of producing an XML feed that Project Sheldon’s software can reformat for display in the app interface.  Combining this information with the library’s location allows each event to be plotted on a Google Map.  There is no need for any library interested in having events accessible through Project Sheldon to perform any extra labor than what they already put into posting events in their existing online calendars.

Membership: Libraries contributing event data will be displayed as “nearby” locations based on geolocation or intersections/street addresses provided by users.  In addition to Project Sheldon member libraries providing easy mobile access to their events, they will also have access to feedback from participants in those events.  Librarians will be encouraged to provide impromptu programming or develop ongoing programming to address immediate needs in their communities brought to light through conversations begun via the Project Sheldon app.

Benefits to Library Participation: Libraries that participate in Project Sheldon will have current and future event information at their fingertips with no additional staff time commitment beyond what they currently utilize for calendar maintenance.  They will also have the access to user feedback on past events and a database of user-generated, user-rated suggestions for future activities.

Benefits of User Participation: Users who have downloaded the Project Sheldon app will be able to interact with libraries in a multitude of ways.  As members discover library events and ideas that appeal to them, they will be able to share them across their preferred social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, etc.) and invite additional participants.  They will be able to discover events based on categories of interest, location, date or any combination of these.  They will also be able to suggest programs that they would like to see presented and vote on the programming suggestions of other users.  Finally, users will also have the opportunity to provide libraries with feedback on programs they have recently attended.