Cecilia M. Smith
Library Assistant
Technology
Technology is now a part of every aspect of working in a library. It is important for staff to be able to demonstrate their competencies with technology to effectively assist patrons by knowing basic computer skills, troubleshooting, knowledge of handheld devices for software application downloads, and assistive devices. Many patrons who go to the libraries for assistance have little experience with computers. Library staff need to know how to help patrons with accessing the Internet, sending emails, and using common software applications. It is also important to know how to do basic troubleshooting when patrons need help or devices freeze. Technology competencies do not end with basic computer knowledge. Staff must be able to show their patrons how to work devices like iPad and e-readers. Libraries have an assortment of apps for patron use such as Libby from Overdrive, that lets patrons search, place holds, read e-books, and listen to audiobooks. Library staff need to know how to download apps, and access content on them in order to show their patrons how to use them.
Technological knowledge is also required to help special needs patrons. It is important for staff to know the options available. There is a large assortment of assistive technology available from screen readers, screen magnifiers, voice recognition software, optical character recognition scanning software, and speech software that can read websites, emails, and other documents. There are wearables such as Proloquo or ProxTalker for non-verbal individuals. Through the Indiana State Library, the Talking Book Program provides free recorded, Braille, and large print books to the blind and physically handicap patrons in the state.
My library technology class has reinforced and helped me apply some technology skills I already processed. The course also introduced me to areas of library technology I never considered such as assistive technology, utilizing social media for the library, and multiple ways of utilizing technology to create tutorials for patrons. I have created tutorials using Prezi, PowerPoint, Screencast-O-Matic, and YouTube. I have also learned several valuable tips for troubleshooting library computers and printers. During an interview with the IT department for research for my course, I learned about the software the college installs on our library computers for virus and malware protection, security filters, and how the students print option searches through every campus in Indiana to find the proper printer.
LIBR 105
Assistive
Technology
LIBR 101
Has the growth of the Internet and new technologies left libraries obsolete?
Why or why not?
The growth of the Internet has not made libraries obsolete, but has required libraries to change with the new technologies. Libraries have adapted electronic resources as databases, magazines, and journals that patrons can access from home. Libraries are educating their employees so they can teach patrons how to use electronic devices and computer software.
Pick two new technologies and explain how libraries might incorporate them into their activities.
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Social Media (example: Facebook or MySpace) Public, academic, and school libraries have used social media to market their libraries. The libraries use social media to advertise events and programs, such as Citizenship courses (Public), extended hours for finals (Academic), and student book recommendations (School). The benefit is that it keeps patrons informed of happenings at the library. The main drawback is social media only reaches its followers. A patron must seek and follow the library. School and academic libraries target students. Public library target adults, and tries to attract teenagers by posts.
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Wiki are used by public and academic libraries as teaching tools. They allow for collaboration between staff and patrons, since patrons can use and edit content. They are normally organized by area of research. They are searchable by keywords. They allow for increased access to information through interlinked articles. Since Wiki’s enable patrons to communicate with staff, it assists with collection development. Librarians are able to reach more people through Wikis.
The drawback to Wikis:
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Getting others to contribute
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Spam
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The more content there is, the more maintenance required
I have been receiving, opening, forwarding, replying, deleting, and composing email since my first website development class in the early 1990’s, where I first learned how to use the Internet. I still have the Yahoo! email address I made in class; it is where all junk mail is sent. Anytime I sign up for some promotion or link an email address to anything that will send me junk mail, it goes to that address. At work I have used Outlook for managing contacts, managing tutoring appointments, and study room reservations.
The difference between web-based email programs and desktop email programs:
Web-based email programs allow access from any Internet connected device, whereas desktop email applications can only be used on devices that have the software installed.
Hardware
Although my first degree in Computer Information Systems is now obsolete, I do have a basic understanding of terminology, and computer components. I can troubleshoot computer hardware and peripherals better than most my age.
Internet
One of the functions in my old position was helping senior aged students use the Internet. As a student who will do whatever is needed to save money, I have taught myself to download e-books. I know how to download apps on my cell to read documents. I have Bookshelf, Adobe Digital Editions, Libby, and Moon+ Reader on my cell. I know how or can figure out how to download almost any image, audio, or video on the Internet. My previous library classes have introduced me to the different searching strategies beyond what I learned in computer class.
Operating Systems
I can perform all the basic operating system functions listed in the Essential Library Competencies.
Software Applications
I work often with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
At the library, my knowledge includes the integrated library systems Voyager and Horizon. The use of Springshare LibGuides and LibAnswers.
Web Technologies
I find tutorial and support communities online very useful when learning new skills and troubleshooting computer problems. I have used social media, Ivy Tech’s IvyLife, blogs, and at one point my own website for sharing information. For classes I have used chat functions, conference calls (Such as GoToMeeting), and Wikis.
LIBR 105
According to the Competency Index for the Library Field compiled by OCLC, WebJunction, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the core technology competencies required by library staff include:
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Basic functions of e-mail applications
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Calendar operations and task management
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Uses and helps others use basic computer hardware and peripherals
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Uses and helps others use mobile devices
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Uses and helps other use the Internet
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Demonstrates information literacy
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Understands common security protocols
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Performs basic operating system functions
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Performs basic function and tasks of common software programs
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Performs basic printing operations
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Awareness of commonly used technologies and applies technology effectively
LIBR 202
The search box in the Excel worksheet for Book Database and Periodical Database searches all data fields. The Book Database searches by author, title, edition, publisher, date, subject, ISBN, and abstract. The Periodical Database searches by document type, title of article, authors, author's institutional affiliation, journal title, ISSN, and language.