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D-Space opened at Batchelor Institute Library
Relaxation and entertainment in the Kids Corner
by Sarah Anthony, Lucy Hull and Kerrie Hume 4 March 2014
T
he Library at Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education recently celebrated the official opening of D-Space and Kids Corner. The new library digital space is a dual purpose engagement initiative that promotes digital literacy, engages youth and provides a community engagement area where digital literacy, multi-media and basic computing skill classes can be run, combined with entertainment activities. The idea behind D-Space is to provide a safe, enjoyable and attractive area for students to learn basic digital literacy skills. The goal is power through engagement.
Main room of the Library during the D-Space Opening
D-Space provides students with the opportunity to relax on campus and socialise outside of the traditional classroom
setting. D-Space also provides the Coomalie community with an alternative entertainment, and digital literacy programs are
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currently being devised for future implementation. D-Space houses PC computers, Macs, a 50 inch 3D TV mounted on the wall, Xbox Kinect, and a 3D Blu-Ray player. D-Space also has beanbags, DVDs, books and Kobe e-readers. The 14th of February was also Library Lovers’ Day, which was an opportunity to celebrate those who love and support libraries and to remind decision makers how loved and cherished libraries are by the entire community. Batchelor Institute Library had over 100 guests of all ages turn up to the D-Space Opening and they enjoyed live music, delicious food, a popular movie played on the ‘big screen’ and plenty of other activities. Kids Corner was also introduced to the community, although it has been in use for a number of weeks. A first for the Institute, Kids Corner provides a safe and secure space with a range of books, board games, Lego, beanbags, an Xbox Kinect, and activities for the younger children. One Leapfrog tablet and two children’s Samsung tablets are available for use in the Library upon request. Filled with educational games, these tablets foster literacy and numeracy skills alongside digital literacy – all while they are engaged in fun! The official opening of D-Space and Kids Corner was held in conjunction with ‘Friday Fun Night’, an event organised by Community Recreation Officer Marilyn Morris of the Coomalie Community Government Council and was sponsored by John Holland. The Coomalie Night Patrol assisted on the night arranging basketball games and ensuring that every person arrived home safely and the event was catered by the Batchelor Institute
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Playing Kinect during the D-Space Opening
kitchen. The Library wishes to extend a warm thank you to local Kungarakan woman, Barbra Taylor, who presented a ‘Welcome to Country’ for the celebration, and also to Rex Wright and Alan Petersen who played live music for the event. The night was a resounding success with glowing feedback from youth and adults alike. If you are interested in visiting
the Kids Corner or D-Space, feel free to pop in to the Library any time we are open. Staff, students and community members are all encouraged to use the facilities. For more information call (08) 8939 7103. Follow D-Space on Facebook for current updates: www.facebook. com/DSpaceNT The Library: www.facebook. com/BIITELibrary