When planning a technology lab and makerspace, tribal libraries need to consider several aspects of software selection to ensure that the tools they choose are accessible, relevant, and sustainable. Here are key software considerations:
1. Community Needs and Cultural Relevance
- Cultural Preservation Tools: For makerspaces that aim to support cultural projects, consider software that enables digital storytelling, language preservation, or multimedia archiving. Programs like Audacity for audio recording or video editing software can be useful for recording oral histories or documenting cultural practices.
- Skill Level of Users: Choose software that matches the skill level of the community. For example, if many users are beginners, opt for user-friendly or simplified versions of design and editing tools (e.g., Canva for graphic design rather than Adobe Photoshop).
- Educational Value: Prioritize software that offers educational benefits, such as coding tools (Scratch or Python), media production, or 3D design software (Tinkercad for beginners, Blender for advanced users).
2. Cost and Licensing
- Budget-Friendly Options: Explore free and open-source software options, such as GIMP for image editing, Blender for 3D design, and Audacity for audio editing, which offer robust features at no cost. This can help stretch a limited budget.
- Subscription vs. One-Time License: Some professional-grade software requires a subscription (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud), which may be costly over time. Evaluate if a one-time purchase or an open-source alternative can meet the same needs.
- Educational Licenses and Discounts: Many software providers offer discounts or free licenses for educational institutions. Contact vendors to see if the library qualifies for these discounts.
3. System Compatibility and Hardware Requirements
- Hardware Compatibility: Ensure the software is compatible with available computers and other equipment in the lab. Some software (like video editing programs) requires higher processing power and memory, so check system requirements before purchasing.
- Cross-Platform Availability: If the lab includes various devices (PCs, Macs, tablets), choose software that is compatible across platforms or opt for web-based applications accessible on any device.
4. Ease of Use and Training Requirements
- User-Friendly Interfaces: Choose software with intuitive, accessible interfaces to support patrons with varying levels of digital literacy. Look for tools with built-in tutorials or resources to minimize the learning curve.
- Training Resources: Consider software that offers tutorials, user guides, or online support, which can assist both staff and patrons. For more complex software, plan staff training sessions to build confidence in guiding users.
5. Data Privacy and Security
- Data Management: Software that involves patron data (like digital archiving tools or cloud storage) should include strong privacy protections to safeguard sensitive information.
- Local Storage vs. Cloud-Based Solutions: Some software may store data locally, while others rely on the cloud. For a digital archive or makerspace, determine which option aligns with the library’s data management policies and internet capacity. Cloud storage can be useful for data accessibility but may require additional privacy considerations.
6. Software for Digital Archiving and Cultural Preservation
- Digital Archiving Software: For libraries preserving cultural and historical materials, consider specialized digital archiving software (e.g., Mukurtu or Omeka) that allows users to add metadata, descriptions, and permissions to sensitive or cultural content.
- Language and Audio Preservation Tools: Choose tools that support audio and video recording, text digitization, and transcription. Programs like ELAN (for language documentation) and transcription tools with voice-to-text capabilities can be valuable for archiving language materials.
7. Software for Creative and Design Work
- 3D Design and Printing: For 3D printing, select software like Tinkercad for beginners, which is free and user-friendly. For advanced users, consider Blender or Fusion 360, which are also free but offer more complex features.
- Graphic Design and Image Editing: Canva, GIMP, or Inkscape are accessible options for beginners. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, while more costly, may be valuable for advanced users.
- Video and Audio Editing: Free programs like Audacity (audio editing) and OpenShot or DaVinci Resolve (video editing) provide essential features. Advanced software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro is great for skilled users but comes with a higher cost.
8. Internet Connectivity and Bandwidth
- Online vs. Offline Access: If internet connectivity is limited, opt for software that works offline or has desktop versions. For example, Adobe Creative Cloud programs require internet access for license verification but can be used offline once activated.
- Bandwidth Requirements: Cloud-based software and programs with regular updates (such as some 3D design software) may demand higher bandwidth. Assess your internet connection to ensure it can support these requirements.
9. Sustainability and Long-Term Usability
- Open-Source and Community-Supported Software: Open-source software tends to be sustainable as it is community-supported, free, and regularly updated. Consider open-source tools that won’t strain the budget but still offer quality features.
- Scalability: Choose software that can expand with the library’s programs. For instance, select tools that offer additional features or compatibility with other devices if the makerspace expands.
10. Legal and Licensing Compliance
- Ensure Compliance: Verify that the software complies with licensing terms and is legally licensed for public or educational use. Some software licenses prohibit public or non-commercial use, so clarify the library’s intended use with vendors if needed.
- Copyright Considerations: For digital archiving, ensure that all materials stored or digitized comply with copyright and intellectual property laws, especially if materials will be shared publicly.