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Member Spotlight: Darren Thompson   
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Date Posted:
11/15/07

Tech Antics @ the Tech Annex

Darren Thompson Darren Thompson, IT and Technical Programming Manager of the Blue Island Public Library, is a man with a mission - provide a space and technical resources to allow teens to creatively experiment with new technologies with the goal of publishing their work.

Blue Island Tech Annex Digital Dan's "Teens Use Tech, But Can They Make It?" article was an inspiration for Darren who is also in charge of YA Programming. This article stresses the importance of enabling creative learning in order to stay competitive in the global economy. The Wired for Youth Centers at the Austin Public Library served as a model for Darren as he developed the Blue Island Tech Annex where young adults could hang out, have fun, learn new skills and think creatively. Taking leads from "Another kind of 'intelligent design': Schools link architecture, academics in new construction" the space was designed to provide a comfortable environment for teens.

Included with a brief history and technical resource overview of the Annex is a slide show illustrating the physical space. The Annex has provided a space for developing content, displayed on their multimedia page, and spurred additional program offerings. Here's a sampling of recent programs:

  • Adding Media to MySpace
  • Anime Club
  • Digital Photography
  • Editing Audio Files Using Audacity
  • Intro to Gimp
  • Movie Matinees
  • Passport to Thailand (Explore a new country every month! This month, learn all there is to know about Thailand. Enjoy some food, listen to some music and travel the country through Google Earth and other means.)
  • Creativity's Where Its @ (Making beaded jewelry)
  • Intro to Mixing

"I would recommend any library director to seriously consider opening a space like this in their library.  It has worked out well for the Blue Island Public Library and we have also noticed that the the number of YAs coming into the Library has been going up.  I say, 'keep coming you guys and keep up the good work!'"

-- Darren Thompson

Look for Darren at the 2007 ILA Conference on Tuesday, October 9 from 9:00 - 12:30 as a Presenter at the "Fun Fair for Library Programs." Darren will be demonstrating how to make mixes and get them ready to post as podcasts and also how to make videos and get them ready for posting to YouTube.

Tech Annex Introductions

Part 1
If you'd like to find out more about the Tech Annex, view the YouTube segments which provide introduction to the staff and a few of the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) members.

Part 2

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