Statement of Competency 8

Competency 8: Demonstrate proficiency in identifying, using, and evaluating current and emerging information and communication technologies. 

Introduction

The impact of current and emerging information and communication technologies on the library and information field cannot be overstated. The rapid advancement of new information tools and technologies changes the way information is created, dispersed, and accessed, which in turn affects the expectations of our patrons. To remain relevant, library professionals must adapt services and content to these evolving expectations.

The dramatic increase in internet use and mobile technologies highlights the importance of access and digital literacy. Libraries address concerns about the “digital divide” by providing free internet access and digital literacy programs for the underserved population. Libraries must respond to evolving needs by offering mobile-friendly apps, websites, materials, and discovery tools. Information needs of patrons must be met in physical and virtual spaces.

Library professionals are leveraging social media tools to reach their patrons in virtual environments. The use of Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest by public and academic libraries are all examples of how professionals are responding to new communication technologies. Libraries typically have a website that acts as a portal to physical and virtual information sources. Library websites are often designed, created, and managed by librarians. New skillsets are required of information professionals, who must demonstrate expertise in web design and management.

The NMC Horizon Report: 2017 Library Edition identifies key technological trends, challenges, and developments that “are poised to impact library strategies, operations, and services with regards to learning, creative inquiry, research, and information management” (2017, p. 2). The continuous development of new information hardware and software has implications on how information retrieval systems are designed, accessed, and used. As the volume of resources increases exponentially, libraries are tasked with developing systems for organizing and disseminating this information. Professionals must also uphold the core values of privacy and intellectual freedom, which are challenged by the same technologies that offer opportunities for free and open access to resources.

The NMC Horizon Report 2016: K-12 Edition points out “two long-term trends: redesigning learning spaces to accommodate more immersive, hands-on activities, as well as rethinking how schools work in order to keep pace with the demands of the 21st century workforce and equip students with future-focused skills” (2016, p. 1). To engage students and equip them with essential skills, librarians must lead the charge in the instruction and use of new and emerging applications for accessing, creating, and sharing information. In the school library environment, Teacher Librarians often take on the role of Technology Specialists, helping staff to integrate effective technology tools into the curriculum to improve student learning. Library spaces must facilitate internet access and technology.

Evidences

I submit the following evidence to satisfy Competency 8:

  • Technological Trends Affecting Information Organizations, a Prezi presentation from INFO 204 Information Professions
  • Social media tools in a public library, a discussion post from INFO 210 Reference and Information Services
  • Emerging technologies and information services, a discussion post from INFO 204 Information Professions
  • Original website: Swiss Bliss, a project from INFO 240 Information Technology Tools and Applications

INFO 204 Technological Trends Affecting Information Organizations (and references)

This project was a professional synthesis of material covered in INFO 204 Information Professions. The instruction for the assignment was to utilize modern presentation software to create a presentation about current trends that affect the library and information field. This was my first attempt at using Prezi, which gave me the skills necessary to create future presentations for SJSU classes and for professional purposes.

My presentation demonstrates my knowledge of new and emerging trends in information technologies, and their impact on the profession. I identified key trends such as internet use, mobile technologies, location intelligence, user experience, creative skillsets, machine learning, gamification, big data, and competition from other sources of discovery. I linked each trend with the corresponding response from the library and information profession, and concluded with highlighting the importance of strategic planning and strong leadership. This project clearly demonstrates my knowledge of technological issues and trends, and their impact on the profession.

INFO 210 Social media tools in a public library

This extract, from an INFO 210 discussion forum, examines the use of Pinterest by the Kansas City Public Library (KCPL). The various “boards” on the KCPL Pinterest page are explored, and the use of social media to communicate a sense of identity is discussed. I point out how Pinterest is used to promote the library, and identify several challenges and concerns. This post is evidence that I understand the impact of new communication technologies on library services.

INFO 204 Emerging technologies and information services

This discussion post from INFO 204 is an initial look at how mobile technologies have affected information services. The increase of mobile device usage is linked to the development of library apps with responsive interfaces. This post laid some groundwork for future classes. I explored the benefits of responsive design more thoroughly in INFO 240, a subsequent class for which I created my own website. My discussion shows my awareness of the importance of technological trends for information professions.

INFO 240 Original website: Swiss Bliss

This project is an original website that I created from scratch using HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and XML. INFO 240 equipped me with the skills necessary to design the website and integrate useful functionality. Responsive techniques are utilized, allowing interfaces to adapt to the device that is being used. I created a home page, a header with a title and logo, a footer and sidebar, and a main navigation menu linked to the various pages. I incorporated a YouTube video, a Google Map, images, a table, anchors, and a submission form. This website is clear evidence that I am able to effectively use emerging information technologies.

The skills I gained from this experience have been extremely helpful to me since I began my profession as a school librarian. I designed and created a website for my school library, which I now manage. I am building my reputation among students and staff as a highly-valued expert in technology. The skillset gained from creating a website from scratch is indispensable to my future career in the library profession.

Conclusion

Library and information professionals must continually assess trends in information and communication technologies and their effects on the information behaviors and expectations of our patrons. Action plans addressing the evolving landscape of information must be developed and implemented by strong leaders, who are dedicated to serving the changing needs of patrons. My coursework in the SJSU MLIS program is evidence of my awareness of current trends in technology and their impact on and importance to library and information services. The evidence I have presented demonstrates my mastery of Competency 8.

References

New Media Consortium (2016). The NMC Horizon Report: 2016 K-12 Edition. Retrieved from http://cdn.nmc.org/media/2016-nmc-cosn-horizon-report-k12-EN.pdf

New Media Consortium (2017). The NMC Horizon Report: 2017 Library Edition. Retrieved from http://cdn.nmc.org/media/2017-nmc-horizon-report-library-EN.pdf