Meet MARV.
MARV - short for Mobile Assault Reading Vehicle - is our library’s latest attempt to bring new kinds of content to the library’s website. MARV is made up of a first generation Flip Video camera, a Gorillapod tripod, two bike lights (one at the front, and one at the rear) a book, some rubber bands, inspiration, and a whole lot of mischief.
Kay, the Virtual Services librarian, had the bright idea that it would be great if we could film the inner workings of Translogic, the library’s conveyor system that transports books and other materials between departments. I’m known as somewhat of a gadget geek in the department, so when Kay told me about the project, I of course volunteered my camera and the tripod. Together with a couple of colleagues, we came up with MARV’s initial design, and set about trying to film what happens when a book is dropped in the internal and external book drops.
Sadly, there were some problems with the prototype; MARV tipped over when we put him down the internal bookdrop, and was too tall to fit in the external slot. We re-engineered the design and made a second attempt at the outside slot, only to find that we hadn’t secured the camera properly, and the force of the impact caused MARV’s camera to flip forward onto the book cover, resulting in about 2+ minutes of dark footage.
Yet worry not: MARV will rise again.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
First? You look marvelous in that picture. Hush, I couldn’t help myself.
Second? You and your library are both so. very. cool.
I registered w/ WordPress just so I could say how cute you look in this pic!
Then I was good and read the rest of the post. Look forward to seeing MARV in action. Sounds like you have a great gig at the VPL, and they’re v. lucky to have you.
ayse ยป Yeah, I’m pretty happy here, which considering my track record, is amazing.
Cannot stop gushing over the beautifulness that is that picture! Makes me just want so smile and laugh. I second the motion on your too cool for school library. People are fortunate to have you there.
The things we do in the name of librarianship.
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