libraries
Of all the quiet places in the world, libraries are the most sensitive to background noise – even quiet conversation is frowned upon, so the thought of using something as unconventional as library speakers to broadcast sound was unheard of. The very thought of adding sound systems to create library audio was considered absurd, until they tried the Audio Spotlight.
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The centerpiece of the new Center for Black Literature & Culture at the Indianapolis Public Library (IPL) is an impressive multi-sensory, tunnel-shaped walk-through exhibit, right in the middle of the West Reading Room, aptly dubbed "The Epicenter". The library curator turned to Audio Spotlight integrator The Exhibit House to devise an audio solution that would not disturb patrons in other areas.
To fulfill this need, six Audio Spotlight speakers were installed to produce narrow beams of sound, similar to beams of light from a flashlight, that ensured the audio was contained to the exhibit's walk-through area, while none of the surrounding space was disturbed. Featuring a thin design with a built-in amplifier, and small overall package, the AS-168i Audio Spotlight was a perfect fit for integrating library sound at the IPL exhibit.
The speakers play biographical narratives from key black historic figures, fed from touchscreen videos along the corridor, and the exhibit also includes books promoting these figures. The exhibit's corridor shape promotes a journey through history, punctuated by interactive visual elements as well as the audio narratives, without disturbing the surrounding area.
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AUDIO SPOTLIGHT AS-168i
New York Public Library was faced with the challenge of catering to the increasingly multimedia-centric sensibilities of today's youth, without adding noise or distraction to the quiet library setting. Several Audio Spotlight directional speakers were installed over an open-air media center, right in the middle of their Hamilton Grange Teen Center in Harlem.
Now, young patrons can watch movies or rock the afternoon away to Rock Band video games, together in a safe social space, while others study in peaceful quiet just outside the isolated Audio Spotlight directional sound field. The curators at the New York Public Library were no strangers to the Audio Spotlight directional speaker technology; they had previously used a fleet of directional sound speakers for a "News Around the World" digital signage wall at their Science, Industry and Business branch on Madison Avenue.
This impactful juxtaposition of adding sound in a library – perhaps the most widely notorious for maintaining silence than any other imaginable venue – speaks to the true directivity and effectiveness of Audio Spotlight speakers.
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AUDIO SPOTLIGHT AS-24i
When the City of Mississauga in Ontario, Canada engaged its plans to update and revitalize its municipal libraries, Lorne Park Library received quite a makeover. In addition to the beautifully modernized aesthetics, there were several technological advancements to the facility, including a TV area with private, directional sound.
Three of Holosonics' AS-24i Audio Spotlight speakers were easily installed flush to the ceiling, neatly above seating in front of a flat screen television. Each of the directional ceiling speaker panels delivered coverage to the seat below, keeping the sounds of the programming limited to those seats, and not bothersome to other visitors reading in the adjacent Graphic Novels section, a mere arm's length away.
The Audio Spotlight technology allowed Lorne Park Library to offer focused sound for film viewing and video gaming to its young patrons, without compromising its academic atmosphere, or the integrity of the modernist/minimalist facelift, thanks to the directivity and unobtrusive design of the highly directional speakers.
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AUDIO SPOTLIGHT AS-24i
Prominently placed near the entrance of MCCC's expansive Brendlinger Library are a collection of eye catching digital displays, intended to highlight campus subjects and echo relevant classroom topics with complementary learning material. An initiative of school president, Dr. Karen Stout, and part of the campus' major College Hall Renovation project, the rotating exhibits also feature audio accompaniment, thanks to a series of Audio Spotlight speakers.
Beaming sound right there on the library floor, and keeping it isolated exclusively to the area directly in front of the screens, are three Audio Spotlight AS-24i directional audio speaker panels. Owing to the focused sound speakers, visitors viewing the exhibits are able to enjoy a more captivating multimedia experience, and other students and professional staff nearby – Dr. Stout's own office included – remain blissfully undisturbed by the sound.
PRODUCTS USED IN
THIS INSTALLATION
AUDIO SPOTLIGHT AS-24i
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