Georgetown Law Library introduced two touch screen kiosk-style devices for use in our two library locations.  We're launching the systems with no planned fanfare or press releases.  Initially, we'll rely on user feedback and local observation to plan content.  These systems have collection maps as well as digital exhibits of our library and collections. On this blog, we'll document some technical aspects of the system to share project progress.

For content, we've built a custom platform using HTML5, CSS3 and embedded fonts.  It is a simple setup running on uniform displays [32" Philips Public Signage display] with a very specific browser [Opera in Kiosk Mode]. This means we don't have to worry about browser compatability, and we can design the interface using specific pixel dimensions.

Here's what the first version looks like in Opera 10.63:
Touch Screen picture

This uses HTML5 to define page content with the more semantic HTML5 markup for the page elements <header> <footer> and <nav>. It passes the W3C's HTML5 validation check as well. With simple CSS style rules, Opera renders the page structure well, but it looks pretty bad in Internet Explorer 8, as shown.
Screen displayed in Internet Explorer 8
Our initial focus with the touch screens is to create content to be used while physically on campus.  Over time, we'll publish this content on our website, planning to archive all exhibits we create. Look to our WebDevBlog for technical updates on the system and underlying technologies.

 

 
 

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