Virtual Little Free Libraries

You’ve seen those Little Free Libraries all over the place, and we’ve written about them in Reference Notes before. A new open-source product called LibraryBox could build on that concept for electronic content. A crowd-funding campaign for LibraryBox kicked off this summer at ALA in Chicago and will fund an updated version of the tool. Anyone (with some programming expertise) can build a LibraryBox for around $40 in parts that allows them to share content electronically without an Internet connection. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"767","attributes":{"class":"media-image alignright size-full wp-image-275","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"300","height":"300","alt":"Librarybox"}}]]LibraryBox is essentially a storage space for files that includes a wireless router for sharing those files out to mobile devices. Because LibraryBox does not connect to the Internet, it offers a simple one-way digital transfer (rather than opening the door to everything online). Much like Little Free Libraries empower neighbors to share books with each other, LibraryBox can empower people and institutions to share digital content with those around them. The LibraryBox site cites healthcare, education, and emergency response applications, but it was built with libraries in mind. What kinds of uses might LibraryBox have for libraries? Offering downloadable book chapters at author events? Sharing materials during workshops or classes? Presenting local history content? Highlighting community-created content? It’ll be interesting to see. Keep an eye on those Little Free Libraries in your neighborhood. If they start sprouting wireless routers, you’ll know LibraryBox has taken hold.