Microgrants/Smart Phone

Smart Phone

Overview

In the last three days Derby Museums have "taken a punt" in supporting Wikimedia further. There was discussion concerning "wouldn't it be great" if museums used Wikipedia to make their labels. Some said "they'll never allow it" others said "the small museums use our stuff but don't attribute it"... one said "Why don't they use QRCodes?.....we can never find a museum to try it" (not exact quotes of what was said) Using the collaboration of a number of people (including wikimedians) we created some QR Codes and Derby Museums offered to demo it. Even though we did not have a phone to check them we have mounted these codes in part of the museum yesterday. The phone that is being requested is not for making calls. It is intended to be a phone we offer to the museum so that their staff can show (and see for themselves) how this technology works. Its not a reward (although they deserve it). Making the phone a lend is fine. I would like to leave it to our judgement, but maybe we could assure you that it is anticipated that it would be back in our hands in three months (maybe a lot less and only more after checking back with you).

Budget

Somewhere between 80 and 100 pounds (max).

Expected outcomes

That the experiment at Derby Museums with QR Codes is well supported by curatorial staff. That it is likely that wikimedia collaboration with Derby gets further coverage (one blog already about the techno aspect). It may be that wikipedians will feel inspired to write new articles just so that they can click on the QR code. Raises the profile of GLAM DERBY to not being a "regional" event. Staff will demo the technology of accessing wikipedia to the visitors. Maybe the museum will decide to QRCODE more of its collection. See Allenton hippo picture for an example (article co written by a curator).

Who I am

Some of you know me; DYKs are my main claim to fame as I help to run the system. Currently I'm involved with GLAM and wikimedia. I presented a talk at the British Museum conference last year. Victuallers 11:27, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Discussion

Me too, unfortunately I couldn't get the relevant .jars working on my 4 year old mobile - some sort of pre-configured solution on a lend for part of the discussion and workshops in the British Library (and others) would be useful if only to illustrate the Derby story of turning a conventionally public exhibit into an interactive one at minimal cost. Maybe if one of the mobile companies knew what we were up to they would lend us a bit of kit gratis? Fæ 22:41, 15 February 2011 (UTC)

I'm happy to give preliminary approval for this application, given its strategic benefits and the likelihood that the phone could be reused for other purposes in the future, although Tango may disagree. Please could you pin down which pay-as-you-go phone would be needed to do this, and how much it would cost? Thanks. Mike Peel 22:03, 17 February 2011 (UTC)

Thx Mike ... one example phone is here which is just under 100. If we have to be specific then this could be it, but obviously if there is a clone at 70 then I'd like the freedom to buy it instead? Victuallers 10:30, 18 February 2011 (UTC)

Sorry for the delay in replying. I've been giving this a lot of thought. I'm not convinced the phone itself is really worth it (so many people own such phones already that I would have thought the museum could borrow one from a staff member or someone), but it might help cement our relationship with them and create more opportunities in the future. So, for that reason, I'm going to support it. I would like to restrict it to a 3 month loan, that should be plenty of time for the museum's purposes. After that, it would be great if we can lend the phone to another museum for the same kind of project. Would you be interested in taking responsibility for that? --Tango 03:52, 28 February 2011 (UTC)

Will do. Thanks Tango and Mike Victuallers 22:02, 28 February 2011 (UTC)

Note: archived as the phone wasn't purchased around the time of this application; the application may be re-opened in the future if the opportunity re-arises though. Mike Peel 20:58, 30 July 2011 (UTC)

If this becomes relevant again, I suggest that that chapter looks into buying a Pulse Mini. I saw one for around £30 a while back. It's WiFi enabled, but also has 3G, Triband, a touch screen and 3.15 MegaPixel camera, if the holder wants to take photos at events etc.. Regards, Rock drum (talk • contribs) 18:29, 6 August 2011 (UTC)