Statement of Competency H
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of current information and communication technologies, and other related technologies, as they affect the resources and uses of libraries and other types of information providing entities.
Today’s libraries are in a state of flux. Initiatives such as Google’s mass digitization projects as well as people seeking information at home via the internet should keep libraries on the competitive edge. This transitional time in technology calls for forward thinking and new skill sets for library information science professionals. With this in mind, I try to incorporate training in current trends of information and communication technologies into my curriculum. These technologies include Web 2.0, virtual worlds, web design and a variety of online database information systems.
Facets of Web 2.0 of particular interests to libraries are blogs, wikis, RSS feeds, podcasts, vodcasts and instant messaging (IM). Together, the technologies have a strong impact on libraries, creating a world of Library 2.0. These technologies are a low cost and effective way to communicate with library patrons and staff, solicit feedback, and enhance the library as a whole. Library events are easily posted as well as feedback collected from patrons replying to the blog. Managers will also find they get a higher feedback rate while saving money from surveying public via these technologies.
Virtual worlds, such as Second Life, can be used by libraries to provide virtual reference services, outreach programs and other service to their patrons. The San Jose State University student group, LISSTEN, recently used Second Life for an event in celebration of Banned Books Week. The event allowed participants to read excerpts from banned and challenged books to attendees in all corners of the world. This function is just one way libraries can leverage virtual world technologies to communicate with the public or with other library professionals.
A working knowledge of web design elements such as (X)HTML, PHP, JavaScript, and CSS are valuable tools for library professionals to have. Library websites are an instrumental tool to disseminate information to patrons on upcoming events, outreach, and catalog searching. The ability to update websites in-house saves the library from spending funds on outsourcing to a webmaster.
Finally, knowledge of how to use a variety of online databases is essential for librarians to provide research resources for patrons. There is a multitude of databases that librarians need to expertly navigate. In addition, groups such as the Society of American Archivists (SAA) often provide workshops to educate archivist and librarians to the newest digital asset management software and other technologies to provide the greatest amount of access to resources.
I have submitted evidence of my knowledge of web design and Web 2.0 technologies via my Moving Image Matters website and blog of the same name. The projects were projects for LIBR 240 (Information Technology Tools and Applications). The Moving Image Matters website is a resource tool for those interested in the field of moving image archiving. There is a link to the blog within the Moving Image Matters website, but I have provided the direct link as well in the evidence. Design of the website was built with usability in mind. Additionally, each image has an “alt” description for screen readers for visually impaired users. The website was built adhering to W3C standards and is XHTML 1.0 Transitional and CSS validated. An example of PHP can be seen on the User Survey page. This page is an example of how libraries can use these technologies to gather data about their users for better service. Several instances of JavaScript are also built into the code. My blog, Moving Image Matters, is another resource for students and professionals in the field of moving image archiving. I have added RSS feed capability so that others may subscribe.
My piece of evidence showing my knowledge of virtual worlds illustrates my avatar in Second Life. I am a member of "Archivists of Second Life", "Library Graduate Students in SL" and "SJSU SLIS". I receive announcements of meetings in Second Life where I can attend lectures from archivists and network with professionals virtually. I also visit the SJSU SLIS community and access resources for MLIS students.
A piece of evidence showing my knowledge of a multitude of online databases is shown in the Reference Questions and Answers document from LIBR 210 (Reference and Information Services). A variety of reference questions and answers are exhibit my knowledge of how to navigate electronic reference services such as the Historical Statistics of the United States, Foundation Directory Online, Literature Resource Center and others found in the King Library database resources. Librarians must be able to navigate and be aware of many different types of databases to help patrons in their research.
Finally, the document SCA Databases for Archival Collections Workshop is submitted as evidence of my continual extracurricular search for technology knowledge. This workshop was put on by the Society of California Archivists (SCA) to educate library and archival professionals on the use of digital asset management tools and how to best implement them in their institutions. These databases are powerful venues for information access.
I believe the submitted pieces of evidence exhibits a strong knowledge of a myriad of communication and informational tools available for library professionals.