CCPL Digital Media Lab
Carmel Clay Public Library, Ind.
Innovation Synopsis
The Carmel Clay Public Library wanted to open a digital creation space, but had no space in its current structure. CCPL decided to lease an offsite space in Carmel’s nearby Arts and Design District and open its Digital Media Lab there. This space would offer unique services and programming not found at the main library.
Challenge/Opportunity
CCPL saw a demand for a digital content creation space. However, it lacked the space in its current facility. The library sits on the edge of an Arts and Design District with galleries, restaurants and shops. We decided to lease space on the ground floor in the District, and leverage the foot traffic and events to our advantage. The space is very visible, and has its own look and feel, branding and social media. It is outfitted with 3-D printers, iMac Computers and a WhisperRoom sound recording studio.
Key Elements of Innovation
Our offsite location is innovative. It is visible and friendly. We participate in gallery nights, displaying digital art created in our space. Programming offered from the space is innovative. In addition to classes on software like Photoshop, we have themed months of programs. May was a Photography Month; we offered classes on family photography, travel photography, small pet photography, Adobe Lightroom and getting to know your camera. During the month we also hosted a photo contest and events, including one for dog portrait photos.
Achieved Outcomes
The DML has been very popular. Our most popular services are 3-D printing and our WhisperRoom. 3-D printing use increased 100% from 2017 to 2018, and is currently up another 60% for 2019. WhisperRoom reservation rate is over 70%, with peaks at over 80%. Door count has steadily increased, with 2018 showing a 17% increase over 2017. We continue to offer new and innovative programs like designing 3-D models of local buildings for a 3-D city map.
