Tonight, my Friday is going to be pretty unique.
I have been selected as one of the final 500 participants in a giant game taking place, overnight, at the New York Public Library!
Apparently we will run the halls, smartphones in hand, logging items and writing away from 7pm - 7am. Will I sleep? Maybe. Will I drink way too much coffee. Most definitely.
I am obviously excited, as a fan and a participant. But beyond that, I began thinking of the role this game plays in the marketing of the New York Public Library as a whole.
This game, called "Find the Future", is part of a larger centennial campaign celebrating 100 years of learning at the Library. Over the past 2 weeks, the library has positioned itself as more than a brick and mortar building, with each element saying true to the mission of open knowledge. And each step has been timed and coordinated perfectly.
Earlier this week the Library release a free app to browse history itself with Biblion, which received accolades from the techno-bloggers. Then yesterday, the Library handed out free copies of their essay collection by famous New Yorkers of all over NYC - for keeps! No late fees!
Through savvy use of social media and blogging, the Library is positioning itself as more than stacks of books. It's walking that line as both a trusted source of information and research knowledge, and a site free and open exchange for the community.For such a tradtional and entrenched institution, all this new media connectivity is refreshing. After 100 years, the Library shows its still just as progressive as ever, and committed to the free and open flow of information.
If the next 100 years are as committed to both following and driving innovative changes in engaging with knowledge, I'm certainly looking forward to spending more time with the Library - whether inside its stonework halls or on my iPhone.
I have been selected as one of the final 500 participants in a giant game taking place, overnight, at the New York Public Library!
Apparently we will run the halls, smartphones in hand, logging items and writing away from 7pm - 7am. Will I sleep? Maybe. Will I drink way too much coffee. Most definitely.
I am obviously excited, as a fan and a participant. But beyond that, I began thinking of the role this game plays in the marketing of the New York Public Library as a whole.
This game, called "Find the Future", is part of a larger centennial campaign celebrating 100 years of learning at the Library. Over the past 2 weeks, the library has positioned itself as more than a brick and mortar building, with each element saying true to the mission of open knowledge. And each step has been timed and coordinated perfectly.
Earlier this week the Library release a free app to browse history itself with Biblion, which received accolades from the techno-bloggers. Then yesterday, the Library handed out free copies of their essay collection by famous New Yorkers of all over NYC - for keeps! No late fees!
Through savvy use of social media and blogging, the Library is positioning itself as more than stacks of books. It's walking that line as both a trusted source of information and research knowledge, and a site free and open exchange for the community.For such a tradtional and entrenched institution, all this new media connectivity is refreshing. After 100 years, the Library shows its still just as progressive as ever, and committed to the free and open flow of information.
If the next 100 years are as committed to both following and driving innovative changes in engaging with knowledge, I'm certainly looking forward to spending more time with the Library - whether inside its stonework halls or on my iPhone.
