Cal Poly students are bringing libraries to schools in the developing world — but not with physical books.
On Saturday, political science assistant professor Laura Hosman hosted an Appropriate Technologies Workshop and Build Day. Hosman taught students about challenges developing countries face, then provided a way for them to help.
Students built 30 digital libraries, called SolarSPELL. The self-powered “micro-sized libraries” will be given to schools that don’t have access to electricity or the Internet. Specifically, they will be sent to remote Pacific Island communities.
A previous class designed, developed and deployed the libraries. In winter quarter, another class will be offered for students to work on improving the libraries and bringing them to schools in need.