Program Learning Outcome 1.
Evaluate
Evaluate technology-mediated access in library and information services.
Technology plays an important role in how libraries provide services, engage with their community members, and manage their collections (Cassell. 2021). Technology literacy instruction has become a fundamental practice of successful librarianship. Many of my courses (LS 501 Information in Communities, LS 513 Professional Paths, LS 508 Management Theory and Practice, and LS 512 Information Resources: Science) had a unique perspective on how to accomplish this. Still, in this ever-growing sector, challenges remain. The digital divide persists in access to the internet and in what physical technology is available to our users (IFLA, 2006). At the bottom of this page, please see my coursework entitled "Dangers in the Data" to read a further illustration of my position from course LS 566.
One way libraries are bridging the gap is through grant applications. The awarded funds allows us to loan hotspots to patrons, install outdoor wireless access points, and expand the use of laptops into take-home devices. All of these efforts and more helps reduce the digital deficits in our communities (Cassell, 2021). Finding data management solutions to maintain these services is paramount as we discussed in LS 508 Management Theory and Practice, LS 512 Information Resources: Science, LS 562 Digital Libraries, and LS 566 Metadata and Semantic Web. This means finding project management tools to report issues with equipment, tracking licensing agreements, and upgrading ILS systems that support the physical and e-media collections.
Since technology is an area that changes so rapidly, it's important to communicate these changes with the library staff, stakeholders, and our communities who interact with it (Burke, 2020). At the bottom of this page, my coursework from LS 501 entitled "E-book Policy Report" highlights my research into how damaging the Macmillan Publishing embargo was on libraries and users by restricting access.
Purchasing equipment that has a long life and is affordable helps the organization in the long-term (Loomis, 2021). Training on new equipment and updating staff of enhancements becomes a critical step to get their buy-in. In LS 508 Management Theory and Practice and LS 530 Public Libraries, the class shared examples of their experience with technology changes in the workplace and how to overcome these obstacles. What I've found most true is that when staff use similar equipment to what patron's own, they are more comfortable providing instruction and troubleshooting. Additionally, incorporating technology best practices into library programming is one way to help community members learn of the new trends and prepare for what's next.
Sources:
Burke J. (2020). Neal-schuman library technology companion : a basic guide for library staff (Sixth). ALA Neal-Schuman. Retrieved November 10 2022 from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=2405565.
Cassell, K.A. (2021). Public Libraries and their communities: An introduction. Rowman & Littlefield. Pages 55-85.
IFLA, UNESCO, Sida. (2006, September). IFLA Internet Manifesto Guidelines. IFLA. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.ifla.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/05/assets/faife/publications/policy-documents/internet-manifestoit.pdf
Loomis, R. (2021, August 31). At Somerset County Libraries, Chrome OS cost savings check out for employees and patrons | google cloud blog. Google. Retrieved April 3, 2022, from https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/chrome-enterprise/somersetcountylibrary-chromeos
One way libraries are bridging the gap is through grant applications. The awarded funds allows us to loan hotspots to patrons, install outdoor wireless access points, and expand the use of laptops into take-home devices. All of these efforts and more helps reduce the digital deficits in our communities (Cassell, 2021). Finding data management solutions to maintain these services is paramount as we discussed in LS 508 Management Theory and Practice, LS 512 Information Resources: Science, LS 562 Digital Libraries, and LS 566 Metadata and Semantic Web. This means finding project management tools to report issues with equipment, tracking licensing agreements, and upgrading ILS systems that support the physical and e-media collections.
Since technology is an area that changes so rapidly, it's important to communicate these changes with the library staff, stakeholders, and our communities who interact with it (Burke, 2020). At the bottom of this page, my coursework from LS 501 entitled "E-book Policy Report" highlights my research into how damaging the Macmillan Publishing embargo was on libraries and users by restricting access.
Purchasing equipment that has a long life and is affordable helps the organization in the long-term (Loomis, 2021). Training on new equipment and updating staff of enhancements becomes a critical step to get their buy-in. In LS 508 Management Theory and Practice and LS 530 Public Libraries, the class shared examples of their experience with technology changes in the workplace and how to overcome these obstacles. What I've found most true is that when staff use similar equipment to what patron's own, they are more comfortable providing instruction and troubleshooting. Additionally, incorporating technology best practices into library programming is one way to help community members learn of the new trends and prepare for what's next.
Sources:
Burke J. (2020). Neal-schuman library technology companion : a basic guide for library staff (Sixth). ALA Neal-Schuman. Retrieved November 10 2022 from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=2405565.
Cassell, K.A. (2021). Public Libraries and their communities: An introduction. Rowman & Littlefield. Pages 55-85.
IFLA, UNESCO, Sida. (2006, September). IFLA Internet Manifesto Guidelines. IFLA. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.ifla.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/05/assets/faife/publications/policy-documents/internet-manifestoit.pdf
Loomis, R. (2021, August 31). At Somerset County Libraries, Chrome OS cost savings check out for employees and patrons | google cloud blog. Google. Retrieved April 3, 2022, from https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/chrome-enterprise/somersetcountylibrary-chromeos
To read further examples from my coursework to substantiate my positions, click on the files below. To see more of my work, click on the quick link buttons at the bottom of this page.
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