2015 LibTech Conference

PLEASE NOTE:  This is a hands-on session.  Space may be quite limited--you may be asked to double-up at workstations.  Seating is first-come, first-served.

After their release in 2012 Raspberry Pis received a certain amount of buzz on the library circuit. At thirty five dollars, the Pi was an affordable piece of technology and was received well by libraries looking to participate in a new trend but also wanting to make minimal impact on tight budgets. The Pi is no longer the exciting new toy it once was, but still provides the same functionality at the same low cost. In particular, combined with basic Python scripting and a monitor, Pis are excellent replacements for expensive signage equipment and a great entry tool for librarians who want to learn to code. Participants in this session will work hands on with Raspberry Pis, learning the basics of Python, including how to write variables, loops and functions. Coming out of this session participants will be comfortable working with the Raspberry Pi's hardware, and will have created their own scripts in Python. The presenters will also go over several sample use cases for Raspberry Pis within a library context, including using the Pi as a lightweight, low-cost replacement for digital signage.