Digital Kiosk Coming Soon!
In our ongoing effort to publicize Jacksonville events and shine a brighter spotlight on our advertising supporters, the Review will be installing a new digital kiosk in the heart of the historic core. Located in the Beekman Bank lobby at California & 3rd Streets, the kiosk will feature a 26” glass screen, and will function much like a large iPad screen. The stand-alone kiosk will be accessible from early morning until 10 pm.
The kiosk concept had been floated years ago but never came to fruition. In late 2011, the Review decided the project offered a direct benefit to our readers and advertising clients and then “leased” the bank space. Approval to do so came from the Jacksonville Heritage Society in cooperation with the Southern Oregon Historical Society and Jackson County, all of whom enthusiastically supported our efforts. At that time, Jacksonville city officials were also consulted to ensure the project complied with city codes and ordinances.
Touch screen technology has advanced in recent years, making kiosks a more common site in hotel lobbies, airports, museums, stores, and other highly visible public places. According to Phoenix Kiosk, (AZ) the manufacturer of our unit, the rising use of handheld phones has led to wider acceptance and use of kiosks – just consider how “normal” it is to use a touch screen kiosk when checking-in at the airport!
In exchange for a five-year agreement with JHS, SOHS and Jackson County to house the kiosk in the lobby, the Jacksonville Review will help fund maintenance and preservation work for the historic bank. This win-win agreement was reached in late 2011, at which time we pre-paid our 2012 commitment. Doing so enabled the installation of a new door from the bank lobby directly into the Beekman Bank. Now, on busier days when the weather permits, the bank can be opened to the public, enabling visitors to walk through the bank and experience one of Jacksonville’s prime historic treasures. At first, access will be permitted with a docent present – an effort for which JHS is currently seeking funding. In addition to the door, our preservation commitment enabled replacement of the bank’s outdated electrical panel and wiring along with installation of high speed internet. Another JHS bank project under consideration entails installing floor-to-ceiling glass panels that will enable docent-free viewing of the bank on days when the weather permits.
Like our website, the kiosk will promote up-to-the minute content on hikes, movies, dances, historic tours, concerts, classes, public meetings, art shows, fundraisers and much more. And, it offers our valued advertising clients (who make the print version possible) another venue to reach visitors and locals before, during and after business hours. The kiosk is a natural extension of the Jacksonville Review’s print, online and Facebook versions, on which co-publisher Jo Parker spends hours a day gathering, entering, updating and uploading information, stories and events. Fortunately, the website software integrates nicely with the kiosk software. And, like the website, kiosk content can be uploaded from anywhere Jo has her laptop and an internet connection!
We dubbed the kiosk, “Jacksonville NOW,” acknowledging today’s fast-paced electronic age and digitally-oriented consumer. The home screen will feature dozens of modern-day and historic photos, blended with starting points to learn about businesses, wineries, tours, events and points of interest. For example, the “Jacksonville Woodlands” button will lead users to photos and videos of the trail system and the “Historic Cemetery” button will offer images of the cemetery and list “History Saturday” events. The “Wine Scene” will highlight the burgeoning wine region’s tasting rooms and vineyards. And, users will be able to access the most current Britt Festivals’ schedule and be linked to a site to purchase tickets.
Several kiosk sponsorship levels will offer our Review ad clients an affordable, fun method to reach out to visitors and locals. And, like the print and online versions, we’ve reserved plenty of free space to help promote non-profit and community events.
For updates on this exciting new project, visit www.jacksonvillereview.com and click “Kiosk,” or contact Whitman Parker at 541-601-1878 or email Whitman@thejacksonvillereview.com