HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-12; City Council; ; Authorize application for the Libraries Illuminated grant project from the California State Library, accept any award, and authorize the Administrative Services Director to appropriate any funds receivedCAReview ~
~ CITY COUNCIL
~ Staff Report
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
Subject:
Sept. 12, 2017
Mayor and City Council
Kevin Crawford, City Manager
Heather Pizzuto, Library & Cultural Arts Director
heather.pizzuto@carlsbadca.gov or 760-602-2056
Authorize application for the Libraries Illuminated grant project from the
California State Library, accept any award, and authorize the
Administrative Services Director to appropriate any funds received.
Recommended Action
Adopt Resolution authorizing the Carlsbad City Library to apply for the Libraries Illuminated
grant project from the California State Library, accept any award, and authorize the
Administrative Services Director to appropriate any funds received.
Executive Summary
The California State Library has launched a new grant program, Libraries Illuminated, supported
with California Library Services Act funding. The grant project is intended to help California
public libraries make technology purchases that will leverage and fulfill the potential of new
high-speed broadband connections. Carlsbad City Library is applying for funds to purchase the
technology necessary to teach patrons to experience, film, edit and upload 360° virtual reality video,
with an emphasis on digital storytelling.
Discussion
The California State Library has provided $1 million in California Library Services Act funding to
support the Libraries Illuminated project. Public library jurisdictions that are full members of
one of California's regional library cooperatives are eligible to apply. The Carlsbad City Library is
eligible through its membership in the Serra Cooperative Library System. The Southern
California Library Cooperative is the administrator of the project.
Grant program goals are to support the development of innovative and creative programs and
services for all ages, address the needs of libraries in underserved communities, and provide a
variety of programming and service models for the library community to learn from and
replicate.
The Libraries Illuminated grant program is a competitive grant allowing libraries to make
technology purchases that will leverage and fulfill the potential oftheir new high-speed
broadband Internet connections. Funds should be spent on hardware and software which will
provide new ways to implement technology in the community, maximizing benefits to patrons
by creating rich learning and community building experiences.
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#4
Carlsbad City Library's public high-speed broadband Internet is provided via a membership in
the Corporation for Education Initiatives in California (CENIC), a non-profit organization with a
mission to advance education and research institutions statewide by providing world-class
network essentials for the purpose of innovation, collaboration and economic growth. CENIC
allows libraries to take advantage of highly discounted pricing to offer the public high-speed
internet access.
The Carlsbad City Library will use the Libraries Illuminated grant in support of a primary
strategic focus, "learning for all ages." One way to achieve this goal is to create programs that
support digital literacy and learning through experience, interaction and creation. Virtual reality
naturally aligns with this objective and is the next frontier in personal technology, however, its
high cost remains a barrier to many in the community. To open up the virtual world to all
patrons, grant funds will be used to purchase 360° video cameras, camera accessories and the
computers and software necessary for editing the footage.
New video cameras, accessories, storage media and workstations will complement digital
content creation tools already present in the Library's Exploration HUB digital learning center.
The proposed programs will be measured using PLA's Project Outcome and will equip
participants with an understanding of virtual reality and 360° virtual reality video technology;
an awareness of how virtual reality can be used in education and for entertainment; the ability
to turn a smartphone into a virtual reality viewer; and the skills necessary to use various tools
to create and edit 360° virtual reality video content .
. In addition to working with existing patrons, the Library anticipates using the technology to
expand the audience for library programs by recording 360° VR video to share events and
classes with community members that are unable to attend in person, and create 360° content
that showcases local history augmented with materials in the library's archives. All programs
associated with the 360° virtual reality video initiative, from downloading the experiences to
uploading patrons' video, will rely on the high-speed access, streaming capability and
collaborative potential provided by the high-speed broadband CENIC network.
Successful applicants for Libraries Illuminated funding will be notified of awards and issued
funds in November and December, 2017. Hardware and software purchases and program
implementation will take place during the 2018 calendar year. Programs must be completed by
December 31, 2018 and final reports are due in January 2019.
Fiscal Analysis
The Carlsbad City Library is requesting $13,369 in grant funding. This grant provides the library
with an opportunity to finance virtual reality technology through an alternative means.
Applicants are also required to contribute a minimum of 35 percent of the amount requested in
matching funds or in-kind contributions to the project. Carlsbad City Library will contribute
$4,700 of in-kind funds in the form of the ongoing maintenance and licensing ($3,493.17)
resulting from the purchase of this technology and staff time ($1,206.83} committed to the
project. Funds are available in the department's budget to support this match.
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Next Steps
Per the adopted resolution, the-Carlsbad City Library will apply for the Libraries Illuminated
grant from the California State Library, accept any award and request that the Administrative
Services Director appropriate any funds received.
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, this action does not constitute a "project"
within the meaning of CEQA in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change
in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment,
and therefore does not require environmental review.
Public Notification
None Required
Exhibits
1. Resolution authorizing the Carlsbad City Library to apply for the Libraries Illuminated grant
project from the California State Library, accept any award, and authorize the
Administrative Services Director to appropriate any funds received.
2. Libraries Illuminated Grant Application
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RESOLUTION NO. 2017-177
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARY TO APPLY FOR
$13,369 IN GRANT FUNDS THROUGH THE LIBRARIES ILLUMINATED GRANT
PROJECT OFFERED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY, ACCEPT ANY
AWARD, AND AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR TO
APPROPRIATE ANY FUNDS RECEIVED.
Exhibit 1
WHEREAS, the Carlsbad City Library supports the priorities of the City Council and the objectives
of the Library with respect to lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, the Carlsbad City Library seeks grant funds from the California State Library through
the Libraries Illuminated Grant; and
WHEREAS, the grant supports the purchase of hardware and software in order to provide new
ways to implement technology in the community, maximizing benefits to patrons by creating rich
learning and community building experiences.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the City Council authorizes the Carlsbad City Library to apply for a grant from the
California State Library for Libraries Illuminated funds.
3. That the City Council accepts any award of grant funds and authorizes the Administrative
Services Director to appropriate any received funds to the library budget.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 12th day of September, 2017, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
M. Hall, K. Blackburn, M. Schumacher, C. Schumacher, M. Packard.
None.
None.
EXHIBIT 2
Libraries Illuminated
Application Form
June 2017
Please use no smaller than a 12-point font to complete this form.
Section A: Library Information
Library Jurisdiction Name: Carlsbad City Library
Person completing this application:
Name: Diane Z. Bednarski
Job Title: Deputy Library Director
Email: diane.bednarski@carlsbadca.gov
Telephone: 760-602-2010
Section B: Project Information
r
1. Project Overview [up to 300 words]
Provide a brief statement outlining the following: (1) the technology you propose to purchase;
(2) the programs you propose to offer with your new technology; (3) the benefit(s) you
anticipate that this technology and these programs will provide to your community; (4) the
outlet or outlets in your system that will benefit from this project; (5) how the technology you
propose to purchase will help you leverage and fulfill the potential of your Internet connection.
Statement: The Carlsbad City Library's primary strategic focus is "learning for all ages." To
achieve this goal, the Library is committed to creating programs that support digital literacy and
learning through experience, interaction and creation. Virtual reality (VR) naturally aligns with
this objective and is the next frontier in personal technology, however, its high cost remains a
barrier to many in the community. To open up the virtual world to all patrons, the Carlsbad City
Library will use the Libraries Illuminated grant to purchase the technology necessary to teach
Libraries Illuminated I Application Form_ I June 2017 1
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patrons to experience, film, edit and upload 360° virtual reality video, with an emphasis on
digital storytelling.
360° video cameras, accessories, storage media and workstations will complement digital
content creation tools already present in the Library's Exploration HUB digital learning center.
The proposed programs will be measured using PLA's Project Outcome and will equip
participants with an understanding of virtual reality and 360° virtual reality video technology;
an awareness of how virtual reality can be used in education and for entertainment; the ability
to turn a smartphone into a virtual reality viewer; and the skills necessary to use various tools
to create and edit 360° virtual reality video content.
An educational program on VR and 360° VR video, including the opportunity to create a 360°
video viewer, will be taught at all three library locations. A series of classes on how to create
360° VR video will be taught using 12 patron Mac workstations and 1 instructor Mac
workstation in the Exploration HUB. All programs associated with the 360° VR Video initiative,
from downloading the viewer templates to uploading patrons' video, will rely on the high-speed
access, streaming capability and collaborative potential provided by the lG CENIC network.
2. Further Information: Technology
List and briefly describe the technology you propose to purchase with your grant funds.
(2) 27" iMacs for video editing and uploading
(13) 360fly 360 4K VR Capable Action Video Camera 360° cameras for filming
(13) 360fly lens caps to protect cameras
(13) 360fly FlyView Mobile VR Viewers to view film footage during the editing process
(13) 360fly tripods to stabilize cameras during filming
(13) 360fly POV poles to expand camera viewing range
(13) 360fly carrying cases to protect and store equipment
(24) 1Tb External Hard drives to store raw and edited film footage
3. Further Information: Programs
List and briefly describe up to three programs you propose to provide for the community with
your new technology through December 2018.
Program 1: Experience Virtual Reality
This program, taught at all three library locations, will deliver an educational component to
introduce virtual reality, augmented reality, and 360° VR video technology. The class will also
include a brief history of stereoscopic viewers, illustrate how stereoscopic technology works
and its application in VR viewers. Participants will learn the differences between types of VR
and VR delivery systems, how VR content is created and where to find free downloadable VR
content. Leveraging technology already available in the Library's Exploration HUB (see #4 and
#5 below), this class will teach patrons how to use the Library's mobile Silhouette Cameo
electronic cutter to create VR viewers to be used with smartphones.
Libraries Illuminated I Application Form I June 2017 2
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Program 2: Create Virtual Reality
. This course, taught in the Library's Exploration HUB, will be a series offive classes providing
students with:
• An overview of 360° VR Video technology and how it differs from fully-immersive VR
programs including examples of how 360° VR Video is being used in education,
storytelling, marketing and sports
• Tips for capturing 360° VR Video including operating instructions for the 360° video
cameras, elements of storytelling and the opportunity to work with sample footage
• The opportunity to check out 360° video cameras to shoot footage
• Skills necessary to edit their 360° video with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro with
FxFactory 360VR plugins, including adding 2D elements and sound
• A forum for presenting their videos to the class and the community
4. Needs Statement [up to 500 words]
Describe how the technology you will purchase and the programs you will provide were
identified as needs. If possible, please describe how your planned purchases and programs align
with your community's aspirations, your library's strategic plan, and any community asset or
needs assessment you have conducted.
In addition to "learning for all ages," the Carlsbad City Library identified "community and social
engagement" and "connecting the community" as areas of strategic focus to support an
inspired community that learns through experience, interaction and creation. In 2016, the
-Carlsbad City Library opened the Exploration HUB at its Dove Lane location to give patrons the
tools and space for. learning coding, graphic design, 3D printing, digitization and digital crafting.
In the past nine months, patrons have attended classes and reserved Exploration HUB
equipment more than 1700 times. Expanding Library programming to include 360° VR Video
will allow us to capitalize on the momentum surrounding the Exploration HUB and utilize
existing technology in new ways, such as digital storytelling.
Storytelling is a standard component of library programming and has a wide appeal to patrons
of various ages, ability levels and socio-economic statuses. Funds from the Libraries Illuminated
grant will give patrons the means to create personalized film content and tell their stories
through the addition of 360fly 360° video cameras and accessories. The additional 27" iMacs
will double the A/V post-production workstations available in the HUB. Patrons will edit their
footage using plugins within Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. Adding two dimensional
images and text to 360° footage will call on skills patrons acquired using Photoshop Elements
and the Epson V800 photo scanner in the Exploration HUB.
On a broader level, the City of Carlsbad has recognized "high quality education and community
services" and "history, the arts and cultural resources" as Community Values. Recently, the
Carlsbad City Library was awarded virtual reality equipment (Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and VR-
enabled computers) through the California State Library's Virtual Reality Experience Project.
Since receiving the initial headset, Library staff and volunteers have tested the device using
Libraries Illuminated I Application Form I June 2017 3
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open source content, researched virtual reality applications, and brainstormed ways to bring VR
to the community. The addition of immersive virtual reality technology through the Virtual
Reality Experience Project has allowed the Library to bring stories from outside the community
to patrons. The addition of 360° VR video equipment through a Libraries Illuminated grant
award would provide staff with the tools to teach patrons how to tell the community's story
through sharing the history, art and culture that is embedded in Carlsbad's past, present and
future.
S. Preparations [up to 250 words]
Describe the steps you have taken to assess your physical space, engage relevant staff in
planning for this project (e.g. IT staff), and ensure you can maintain and continue to use your
technology in the future (e.g. budgeting to maintain license agreements).
The Exploration HUB at the Carlsbad City Library is a collaborative digital technology lab that
supports classes on iMovie, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, 3D design, digital crafting, and other topics.
The space is currently equipped with 12 Macintosh computers for patrons, 1 instructor
Macintosh, analog-to-digital conversion equipment, a 30 scanner/printer, a 3D printer/laser
etcher, digital cutting devices, and a suite of software including Photoshop Elements, Final Cut
Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and Silhouette Studio, and a 90-inch display for instruction.
The Exploration HUB staff and volunteers are presently participating in the Virtual Reality.
Experience Project (a joint project with the California State Library and Califa Group) by
configuring equipment, creating documentation, testing the equipment and associated
software applications, and training staff. The Exploration HUB is well-positioned to expand its
curriculum into the realm of virtual reality programming using its existing staff and volunteer
resources, and expects that the project will enhance our efforts to engage additional
volunteers.
The Library currently allocates funds for ongoing software licensing and hardware maintenance
to support Exploration HUB activities, and is prepared to increase its support budget for the
additional licensing and maintenance associated with this grant application. The Library will
also engage the services of City Communications staff to market the new services through
social media, press releases, digital signage and print collateral.
6. Role of IT staff [up to 160 words]
Describe the role your IT staff and/or contractors will play in purchasing and/or implementing
your new technology. If not applicable, please explain.
The City of Carlsbad IT department has been supporting the Exploration HUB with equipment
purchases, software downloads, updates, antivirus protection and tech support and will
continue to do so as it relates to this grant project. Exploration HUB staff, volunteers and the
technology librarian will perform testing, deliver training and teach classes on new equipment
and software. Contractors will not be used.
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7. Community Partners
List the community partners you plan to work with to obtain your technology and/or provide
programming. For each partner, describe the role they will play and the resources they will
contribute to (a) purchasing the proposed technology, and/or (b) providing programs.
The Library has an existing cache of a dozen subject matter experts who volunteer their time to
support current programming in the Exploration HUB. These volunteers serve as instructors for
scheduled classes and as aides during walk-in open lab hours. The library anticipates growing
the number of volunteers by working with local vendors and educational institutions involved
with 360° VR equipment and filmmaking.
8. Outputs
List your anticipated project outputs. These should include the number of programs you
propose to provide and the anticipated number of people your proposed programs will impact
during the project period.
Program Sessions Offered Patrons per Session Patrons Served
Experience Virtual Reality 24 12 288
Create Virtual Reality 20 12 240
528 Total
9. Project Continuation and Sustainability [up to 160 words]
Describe how you will continue to utilize your new technology beyond the project period.
The skills and knowledge gained by staff, volunteers and our community partners will be used
to create 360° VR Video content showcasing areas of local historical significance, augmented
with documents, photographs and oral histories in the Library's archives. Additionally, the
Library anticipates using the technology to expand the reach of library programs by recording
360° VR video to share events and classes with community members that are unable to attend
in person.
10. Project Timeline
Provide a project timeline that includes your technology purchases and at leastthree programs
for your community. The timeline should not extend beyond December 2018.
Virtual Reality Project
Procure equipment and softwa re
Configure and test
Train st aff on VR 360° Video
Develop Project Outcome measures
Deliver Experience VR
Teach Create VR
Measure outcomes
Report
Libraries Illuminated J Application Form I June 2017
2018
Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
5
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11. Budget Table (Please add lines to the table as needed.)
Your budget should include the cost of the technology you propose to purchase, the grant
funds you are requesting to support your purchase, and the match you are providing. The funds
requested should not include the cost of the programs you plan to provide with your new
technology. However, the match may include contributions to those programs. We will ask you
to estimate and report the cost of providing your programs, including contributions by project
partners, at the end ofthe project period.
Item name Item cost Funds Cash In-Kind Total
requested Match Contribution
(13) 360fly 360° 4K VR Capable $376.05 $4,888.65 $4,888.65
Action Video Camera ($349
plus tax)
(13) 360fly Lens Cap $14.00 $182.00 $182.00
($12.99
plus tax)
(13) 360fly X-20 Tripod Grip -$30.59 $397.67 $397.67
Rubber Injected Grip Handle ($28.39
plus tax)
(13) 360fly POV Pole $36.35 $472.61 $472.61
($33.74
plus tax)
(13) 360fly FlyView Mobile VR $29.09 $378.20 $378.20
Viewer ($27.00
plus tax)
(13) 360fly FlyView carrying $26.91 $349.77 $349.77
case by Life Made Better ($24.97
plus tax)
(11) Adobe Premiere Pro $258.47 $2,843.17
subscription
(2) Final Cut Pro subscription $325 $650.00
(2) 27" Core i7 iMacs $2,600 $5,200.00 $5,200.00
(24) Seagate Backup Plus Slim $62.48 $1,499.52 $1,499.52
1TB Portable External Hard ($57.99
Drive for Mac USB 3.0 plus tax)
Staff time to plan and support $1,206.83
programs
Total (in-kind = 35%) $4,700.00 $13,368.42
Libraries Illuminated I Application Form I June 2017 6
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12. Budget Narrative
Provide a brief narrative describing each item in your budget and include the sources of any
matching funds and in-kind contributions.
The Carlsbad City Library is looking forward to providing 360° VR Video programming. The
Mobile Virtual Reality program will utilize the Silhouette Cameo cutter already in the
Exploration HUB to create custom 360° VR video viewers. The viewers will be made using
cardstock, blades and stereoscopic lenses purchased with funds from the Friends of the Library.
The Libraries Illuminated Grant will specifically support the Create Virtual Reality program. The
360fly cameras plus associated accessories (lens caps, tripods/poles and carrying cases) will be
loaned to cohorts of patrons participating in the courses taught in the Exploration HUB.
Patrons' footage will be stored on external hard drives purchased with grant funds and edited
using software currently provided in the HUB. The FlyView Mobile VR viewers will allow patrons
to use their smartphones to view their content during the editing process in real time. The 27"
iMacs complement existing HUB technology to double the number of A/V post-production
workstations available to patrons.
In-kind contributions include eleven (11} Adobe Premiere Pro and two (2) Final Cut Pro
subscriptions (supplementing existing software subscriptions to ensure that all thirteen Mac
workstations are identically equipped). City staff and volunteers will install the software
(including necessary plugins), teach all the 360° VR Video programs and be available to support
patrons with their projects.
Section C: Additional Information and Agreements
13. Is the community you will serve with your new technology and related projects urban,
rural, or suburban? Please check all that apply.
Urban Rural Suburban X
Comments (optional):
14. Is the community you will serve with this project underserved? Please check:
Yes No X Both
If "yes" or "both," please briefly describe how you are defining underserved, and if "both"
please also tell us approximately what percentage ofthe community is underserved.
15. Is your library connected to CalREN/CENIC? Please check:
Yes X No In the process of connecting
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a. If "yes" or "in the process of connecting," how will the technology you purchase maximize
benefits to patrons as you access high-speed Internet connections? [Up to 160 words]
The entire Exploration HUB is currently operated using CENIC. The proposed 360° VR video
programs will leverage the high-speed CENIC connection in several ways:
• Support instruction and patrons' experience through the ability to stream open-
source VR content
• Fast download and upload of template designs for patrons' card stock 360° VR
viewers
• Fast file transfer and saving of patrons' 360° VR video to external hard drives
• Uploading and sharing of user-created content to social media, Dropbox and other
platforms
b. If "no," does your library have plans to begin connecting to CalREN/CENIC in the next twelve
months? Please check:
Yes No
Section D: Agreements
1. My library is a CLSA library.
Check: Yes
2. Unexpended and unencumbered funds will be returned to the Southern California Library
Cooperative by September 30, 2018.
Check:Yes
3. Funds will be returned to the Southern California Library Cooperative if my library is unable
to contribute the required cash and in-kind match.
Check: Yes
4. My library will provide reports on project activities and expenditures in a timely manner and
upon request by the project's fiscal agent, the Southern California Library Cooperative.
Check: Yes
5. My library will use the Project Outcome evaluation framework and tools to evaluate the
impact of at least three programs using the library's new technology during the grant
period.
Check: Yes
6. I am willing to provide a case study describing the technology I purchase and programs I
create to help others implement similar projects in the future.
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Check: Yes
7. IT staff and/or contractors have been involved in project planning. If not applicable, please
explain why not.
Check:Yes
Not applicable:
8. Library director:
Name: Heather Pizzuto
Email: heather.pizzuto@carlsbadca.gov
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