While great at holding a large number of books, bookshelves can make it hard for avid readers to locate a specific title. This is particularly true for older readers, who may strain themselves looking for a specific title, due to having to read the spines and crouch to reach lower rows. This is why we designed the “Instant Book Locator: User Friendly Bookshelf”, a revolutionary bookshelf which will save time for elder readers while increasing their quality of life.

Studies show that elder adults, between the ages of 40 to 60 years of age, spend the most on buying books, which therefore means that statistically-speaking, they will own and read more books (Hill). Therefore, it is important that they have a bookshelf that will make it easier for them to find the books they want. Money spent on books is also related to income, which means that the target demographic will be able to afford this (Hill). Our bookshelf costs slightly more than the average bookshelf; but comes with many more benefits.

This product is simple and easy to use. The way it works is the tablet (main user interface) is connected to a raspberry pi (mini-computer), which is also connected to three arduinos (microcontrollers) that control the individual LEDs. The LED lights are placed on each divider (dividing the books) and on the ends of the bookshelf. Simply use the tablet to find the book you are looking for, and the LED light will light up, thus allowing you to spot the book almost instantly. Underneath the light, there is also a letter- number code that corresponds to the book. This code allows you to change which book you place in that slot. Simply go to the tablet and modify which book the code is linked to. The dividers are also adjustable, allowing you to change the width of each slot, so as to be able to put thicker books in a previously thinner slot, for example. The cupboards and drawers at the bottom also allow for the books to be on a higher level to prevent readers from having to crouch, as well as allowing for storage space.

Reference:
Hill, Kelly. "Who Buys Books and Magazines in Canada?" Hill Strategies, 1 Mar. 2011. Web. 25 May 2015.