Jefferson Parish Government: JPL PETTING ZOO!

Press release from the Jefferson Parish Government:

July 26, 2021

Library Introduces New Way to Inspect, Evaluate Technology

METAIRIE, LA - The Technology Petting Zoo, an innovative educational way for patrons to explore new technology on their own terms, is now available at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

The Technology Petting Zoo will be available to patrons from Aug. 4 to Sept. 29. Hours of operation are:

The exhibit featuring petting zoo items is located by the gift shop in the main hall of the library. This event is free of charge and open to the public.

The technology petting-zoo is a collection of tech devices available to patrons and staff at the library to test-drive so they can learn how they operate. The common devices included are e-Readers, tablets, laptops and digital audio devices. Some zoos include a wider assortment of devices including cameras, virtual reality, 3D Printers, Chromebooks, WIFI hotspots, IPads, GPS devices, and new technologies such as Chrome Cast or Raspberry Pi.

“There’s a dizzying array of devices available,” says Riccardo Mesa, IT Network Supervisor for the library. “This is a great way for patrons to compare and handle the different options so they can purchase the device that will best work for them.”

Many people already own many of the devices in petting zoos but under-utilize their devices. Some people are thinking about buying new technology but are unsure of what they want. Still, others are terrified of technology, but understand they will have to ‘evolve or die’. Having a petting zoo provides you with a way to service all of these people.

Patrons can touch the devices, use them, and ask questions. Patrons can walk up during open hours to ask questions about our library technology, catalog, classes, digital resources.

This press release was produced by the Jefferson Parish Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.