Using Alexa in a Public Library

Track

Technology

Level of Experience

Intermediate

Target Audience

Academic Librarians, General Librarianship, and Public Librarians

Session Description 

This talk will cover how Broward County Library is using Echo devices on all public service desks to assist the public. How voice assistants work, what the set up and installation process was will be discussed as well as security and privacy concerns.

Presenter 

Robert Anstett, Broward County Library, Community Engagement
Robert “BOB” Anstett is the Coordinator for Digital Initiatives for Broward County Libraries. Bob is in charge of the Creation Station at Main Library in Fort Lauderdale as well as Creation Station Business and other creative spaces around the County. Bob likes to say that he “lives in the future” where he gets to work with 3D printing, creative design, hands on maker projects and robotics. He is currently organizing and running a robotics track for the public to learn coding and building robots, as well as a Virtual Reality (VR) track with an Oculus Rift & HTC Vive along with other VR & Augmented Reality (AR) gear such as a Microsoft HoloLens available for the public to try out and develop on. Bob works at building connections with the local community and the library, along with fostering cooperation between libraries around the State of Florida and beyond.

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