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
Introduction
The rapid and continuous growth of electronic information technologies in society have presented both opportunities and challenges to libraries. The expectations that libraries will utilize emerging technologies effectively has presented considerable instability and uncertainty among library and information professionals. The introduction of new technologies has caused librarians to reinvent, redefine and restructure library services. The library as an institution must be agile in adapting to the changing needs and demands of its users, utilizing the best tools and technologies available. There is much evidence that today’s libraries have made these adjustments. For example, libraries today are a hybrid of the physical and digital spaces that it occupies, and as a result the very concept of the library collection has been transformed. Patrons now have access to the library 24/7. They can download articles, read electronic books, do literature searches on databases, or collaborate on information from the privacy of their own homes, offices or even park benches. These communication and social technologies allow users to communicate, collaborate and build communities. It is important for librarians to be aware of, and utilize, the same tools and technologies that their patrons use, value, and are comfortable with. By doing this there is an opportunity for librarians to increase both the quantity and quality of their services.
Information and Communication Technologies
Currently the technologies changing the information world are Blogs, RSS, Wikis, online communities, social networking, social bookmarking, synchronous online reference, podcasting, and screencasting.
Blogs are Web sites with certain characteristics that make them ideal for posting. They usually contain personally developed content and opinion that will be updated frequently. New information appears at the top of the page, previous items are available via archives, Blogs can supplement or replace print or e-mail newsletters. They deliver information faster and avoiding e-mail filter problems. Blogs are created using blogging software, which is user-friendly and simple to use. One of the defining characteristics of a blog is the comments function, which allows readers to add comments to entries. Blogs are a great way for library users to interact with library staff by submitting feedback or making suggestions. It also enables the library to better understand their user’s needs, find new ways to upgrade services, and determine the best technologies to serve their user’s informational needs.
RSS Feeds
RSS Feeds allow users to receive updates or changes to items on a library blog. Libraries are often creating these feeds to allow their users to be more informed about library services and events. Feed Web files are connected to blogs, news sites, and other frequently updated Web sites in order to distribute content, including text, images, sound, and video content. Blogging software automatically creates and updates feeds for blogs, so starting a blog is also an easy way to create a feed. Individuals can subscribe to feeds with a feed reader Yahoo or Google Reader, which monitors the feeds for updates. The subscriber can then view the updates from all their subscriptions.
Wikis
Wikis are Web sites on which several authors can collaborate to share information or compose documents. Wiki software is simple to use and user friendly. They are easy to use for web publishing, provide online collaborative spaces and are a creative tool for team projects, remote collaboration and course instruction. Wikis can be excellent tools for knowledge management or other types of information sharing within the library. For example, we use a Wiki as a quick-reference resource.
Online Communities
An online community is a virtual community that exists online and whose members enable its existence through taking part in membership ritual. Web -based communities, are virtual gathering places, that can be used for communication and information exchange. An online community can take the form of an information system where anyone can post content, such as a bulletin board system, or one where only a restricted number of people can initiate posts. Online communities allow users to have profiles, make comments, write reviews, create wish lists, maintain friends lists, have favorites, use tagging and social bookmarking. Social software is used separately or in combination, including text-based chat rooms and forums that use voice, video, text or avatars. Significant socio-technical change has resulted from the proliferation of such Internet-based social networks.
Social Bookmarking
Social bookmarking is the tagging of a website and saving it for later use. Instead of saving them to your web browser, you are saving them to the web. Since your bookmarks are online, you can easily share them with friends. When surfing the Internet the amount of information one encounters can be overwhelming. Social bookmarking allows people to catalog the web using bookmarks and web terms that they create that are familiar to and usable to others. This offers others the opportunity to easily access information from tagged areas of common interests. Social bookmarking is an effective tool that can be used by librarians to promote collaboration and effective dissemination of information between and among users.
Social Networking
Social networking is an online service, platform, or site that focuses on using and/or building upon existing social networks to promote the sharing of information. A social network service consists of a representation of each user in a profile, his/her social links to others, and a variety of additional services. Most social network services are web-based and provide means for users to interact over the Internet, such as e-mail and instant messaging. Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, activities, events, and interests within their individual networks. Libraries use social networking in many ways, for sharing Libguides, for promoting programs and services, by using networks as extensions of library websites, by disseminating information, by updating information for library users, for outreach to new users, and for establishing professional networks.
Synchronous Online Reference
Synchronous digital reference such as “live” chat and text, in which the patron and librarian communicate in real time can assist libraries in meeting patron’s immediate needs for service and information. Libraries now offer services like IM chat, “Ask a Librarian” and software like Adobe Connect to respond to user inquiries quickly and in real time. Librarians and information professionals must understand and be comfortable with this type of ready immediate reference. Since we are not only serving users physically present, we need to have the skills to serve our online users in a efficient way as well.
Podcasting/Screencasting
Podcast is a term that combines the words "ipod" and "broadcast". It’s an audio broadcast that can be played on any mp3 player that can be taken anywhere and listened to at any time. Podcasting extends and enriches the educational experience. Libraries can offer their users an alternative to traditional delivery of content. Podcasts provide an opportunity for library staff to market programs and services, educate users on the different resources available, can offer listeners an opportunity to learn about new books and other resources available, and can update users on upcoming events. Library Podcasts can link users to other Podcasts that are available on specific topics of interest. Screencasting refers to the production and sharing of short videos that capture recordings of action taking place on a computer screen. The software allows users to record computer actions, including mouse movement, text entry, scrolling, and movement from page to page. These videos often are used to instruct users on how to accomplish a task on a computer or any other function where on screen content is essential. This software incorporates audio narration, highlight text, and edits into the videos shared. Libraries can use these short videos in many ways. Screencasting is useful for database, resource, full text or catalog use instruction. It is a great way to create short tutorials on how to fine journals, navigate through websites and introduce them to key staff or librarians that could answer their questions. Creating a screencast is another way that users have 24/7 access to instruction whenever they need it. This provides a wonderful opportunity for librarians and information professionals to connect with users to get them acclimated and excited about libraries and what we can do for them
Experience
Throughout my MLIS experience and my years working in the library field I have had the opportunity to experience many of the items discussed above. Through two assignments in LIBR 246 I was able to create my blog http://thespunkylibrarian.tumblr.com/ and also create and contribute to the social bookmarking site delicious http://www.delicious.com/shan_ers. Through both I created tags, shared with others, and browsed others’ topics. I also have used many RSS feeds. For example in LIBR 282 Library Leadership we had to subscribe to at least ten leadership feeds. I participate in many social networking opportunities like facebook, twitter, linkedin and in LIBR 203 I created my secondlife Avatar. In LIBR 210 I learned about many new and popular online reference that were being used extensively in libraries. In my current position as Head of Circulation at the Lane Medical Library at Stanford University, I was interested in offering a service do provide assistance to our online users. In 2009 I planned, created, and implemented our online reference/information service. This service allows our single service staff to chat with users online, troubleshooting questions and providing ready reference to Lane users. Since its inception the number of requests for service has doubled every year. http://lane.stanford.edu/help/live-chat.html.
Two years ago I had the opportunity of attending CLA and learned about screencasting and free software called JING. Since then I have used screen casting for a multitude of applications at Lane. My first piece of evidence is a screencast that is currently on our Libguides, instructing users the three ways to find journals and online full text of journals, How To Find a Journal. When I have a user who I am helping over the phone or on chat that is asking how to find a journal. I make a quick instructional video and send it to the user. This not only shows the user a visual instruction on how to do something but they can save the link and view it again at a later date if needed. My second piece of evidence is from LIBR 246 Information and Technology Tools and Applications. I created a screencast and a presentation on how a library can use the social software Meebo.com to create a free chat service for their library, How to Create a Meebo account and Online Chat Service. My last piece of evidence is also from LIBR 246 and it is a blog posting entitled Do you think libraries should be building presence and providing services in MySpace and/or Facebook? Why or why not? I discuss what Facebook and my space can do for a library by adding value and presence to their users. Another social tools that I have used in my courses has been Libgudes. This tool is an evolution of the portal. Libguides are easy to use resources that allow librarians and information staff to collaborate and collect resources for specific topics in one place. In addition it allows for feedback from users on resources they would like to add or when links are not sufficient. I have created and collaborated on more then ten LibGuides. In two of my classes LIBR 246 Information Technology Tools and Applications and LIBR 287 Emerging Technologies I was able to collaborate on two guides.
Conclusion
Libraries need to look at communication and social technologies as valuable tools for communicating with and serving their current users and for attracting new ones. These tools provide libraries with a human connection beyond their physical boundaries. Using them can promote communication, collaboration, and extend the library into its many communities. They also help librarians position themselves as the online hub of their community making libraries more relevant to people and creating a new understanding for what libraries are and what they can do.
Introduction
The rapid and continuous growth of electronic information technologies in society have presented both opportunities and challenges to libraries. The expectations that libraries will utilize emerging technologies effectively has presented considerable instability and uncertainty among library and information professionals. The introduction of new technologies has caused librarians to reinvent, redefine and restructure library services. The library as an institution must be agile in adapting to the changing needs and demands of its users, utilizing the best tools and technologies available. There is much evidence that today’s libraries have made these adjustments. For example, libraries today are a hybrid of the physical and digital spaces that it occupies, and as a result the very concept of the library collection has been transformed. Patrons now have access to the library 24/7. They can download articles, read electronic books, do literature searches on databases, or collaborate on information from the privacy of their own homes, offices or even park benches. These communication and social technologies allow users to communicate, collaborate and build communities. It is important for librarians to be aware of, and utilize, the same tools and technologies that their patrons use, value, and are comfortable with. By doing this there is an opportunity for librarians to increase both the quantity and quality of their services.
Information and Communication Technologies
Currently the technologies changing the information world are Blogs, RSS, Wikis, online communities, social networking, social bookmarking, synchronous online reference, podcasting, and screencasting.
Blogs are Web sites with certain characteristics that make them ideal for posting. They usually contain personally developed content and opinion that will be updated frequently. New information appears at the top of the page, previous items are available via archives, Blogs can supplement or replace print or e-mail newsletters. They deliver information faster and avoiding e-mail filter problems. Blogs are created using blogging software, which is user-friendly and simple to use. One of the defining characteristics of a blog is the comments function, which allows readers to add comments to entries. Blogs are a great way for library users to interact with library staff by submitting feedback or making suggestions. It also enables the library to better understand their user’s needs, find new ways to upgrade services, and determine the best technologies to serve their user’s informational needs.
RSS Feeds
RSS Feeds allow users to receive updates or changes to items on a library blog. Libraries are often creating these feeds to allow their users to be more informed about library services and events. Feed Web files are connected to blogs, news sites, and other frequently updated Web sites in order to distribute content, including text, images, sound, and video content. Blogging software automatically creates and updates feeds for blogs, so starting a blog is also an easy way to create a feed. Individuals can subscribe to feeds with a feed reader Yahoo or Google Reader, which monitors the feeds for updates. The subscriber can then view the updates from all their subscriptions.
Wikis
Wikis are Web sites on which several authors can collaborate to share information or compose documents. Wiki software is simple to use and user friendly. They are easy to use for web publishing, provide online collaborative spaces and are a creative tool for team projects, remote collaboration and course instruction. Wikis can be excellent tools for knowledge management or other types of information sharing within the library. For example, we use a Wiki as a quick-reference resource.
Online Communities
An online community is a virtual community that exists online and whose members enable its existence through taking part in membership ritual. Web -based communities, are virtual gathering places, that can be used for communication and information exchange. An online community can take the form of an information system where anyone can post content, such as a bulletin board system, or one where only a restricted number of people can initiate posts. Online communities allow users to have profiles, make comments, write reviews, create wish lists, maintain friends lists, have favorites, use tagging and social bookmarking. Social software is used separately or in combination, including text-based chat rooms and forums that use voice, video, text or avatars. Significant socio-technical change has resulted from the proliferation of such Internet-based social networks.
Social Bookmarking
Social bookmarking is the tagging of a website and saving it for later use. Instead of saving them to your web browser, you are saving them to the web. Since your bookmarks are online, you can easily share them with friends. When surfing the Internet the amount of information one encounters can be overwhelming. Social bookmarking allows people to catalog the web using bookmarks and web terms that they create that are familiar to and usable to others. This offers others the opportunity to easily access information from tagged areas of common interests. Social bookmarking is an effective tool that can be used by librarians to promote collaboration and effective dissemination of information between and among users.
Social Networking
Social networking is an online service, platform, or site that focuses on using and/or building upon existing social networks to promote the sharing of information. A social network service consists of a representation of each user in a profile, his/her social links to others, and a variety of additional services. Most social network services are web-based and provide means for users to interact over the Internet, such as e-mail and instant messaging. Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, activities, events, and interests within their individual networks. Libraries use social networking in many ways, for sharing Libguides, for promoting programs and services, by using networks as extensions of library websites, by disseminating information, by updating information for library users, for outreach to new users, and for establishing professional networks.
Synchronous Online Reference
Synchronous digital reference such as “live” chat and text, in which the patron and librarian communicate in real time can assist libraries in meeting patron’s immediate needs for service and information. Libraries now offer services like IM chat, “Ask a Librarian” and software like Adobe Connect to respond to user inquiries quickly and in real time. Librarians and information professionals must understand and be comfortable with this type of ready immediate reference. Since we are not only serving users physically present, we need to have the skills to serve our online users in a efficient way as well.
Podcasting/Screencasting
Podcast is a term that combines the words "ipod" and "broadcast". It’s an audio broadcast that can be played on any mp3 player that can be taken anywhere and listened to at any time. Podcasting extends and enriches the educational experience. Libraries can offer their users an alternative to traditional delivery of content. Podcasts provide an opportunity for library staff to market programs and services, educate users on the different resources available, can offer listeners an opportunity to learn about new books and other resources available, and can update users on upcoming events. Library Podcasts can link users to other Podcasts that are available on specific topics of interest. Screencasting refers to the production and sharing of short videos that capture recordings of action taking place on a computer screen. The software allows users to record computer actions, including mouse movement, text entry, scrolling, and movement from page to page. These videos often are used to instruct users on how to accomplish a task on a computer or any other function where on screen content is essential. This software incorporates audio narration, highlight text, and edits into the videos shared. Libraries can use these short videos in many ways. Screencasting is useful for database, resource, full text or catalog use instruction. It is a great way to create short tutorials on how to fine journals, navigate through websites and introduce them to key staff or librarians that could answer their questions. Creating a screencast is another way that users have 24/7 access to instruction whenever they need it. This provides a wonderful opportunity for librarians and information professionals to connect with users to get them acclimated and excited about libraries and what we can do for them
Experience
Throughout my MLIS experience and my years working in the library field I have had the opportunity to experience many of the items discussed above. Through two assignments in LIBR 246 I was able to create my blog http://thespunkylibrarian.tumblr.com/ and also create and contribute to the social bookmarking site delicious http://www.delicious.com/shan_ers. Through both I created tags, shared with others, and browsed others’ topics. I also have used many RSS feeds. For example in LIBR 282 Library Leadership we had to subscribe to at least ten leadership feeds. I participate in many social networking opportunities like facebook, twitter, linkedin and in LIBR 203 I created my secondlife Avatar. In LIBR 210 I learned about many new and popular online reference that were being used extensively in libraries. In my current position as Head of Circulation at the Lane Medical Library at Stanford University, I was interested in offering a service do provide assistance to our online users. In 2009 I planned, created, and implemented our online reference/information service. This service allows our single service staff to chat with users online, troubleshooting questions and providing ready reference to Lane users. Since its inception the number of requests for service has doubled every year. http://lane.stanford.edu/help/live-chat.html.
Two years ago I had the opportunity of attending CLA and learned about screencasting and free software called JING. Since then I have used screen casting for a multitude of applications at Lane. My first piece of evidence is a screencast that is currently on our Libguides, instructing users the three ways to find journals and online full text of journals, How To Find a Journal. When I have a user who I am helping over the phone or on chat that is asking how to find a journal. I make a quick instructional video and send it to the user. This not only shows the user a visual instruction on how to do something but they can save the link and view it again at a later date if needed. My second piece of evidence is from LIBR 246 Information and Technology Tools and Applications. I created a screencast and a presentation on how a library can use the social software Meebo.com to create a free chat service for their library, How to Create a Meebo account and Online Chat Service. My last piece of evidence is also from LIBR 246 and it is a blog posting entitled Do you think libraries should be building presence and providing services in MySpace and/or Facebook? Why or why not? I discuss what Facebook and my space can do for a library by adding value and presence to their users. Another social tools that I have used in my courses has been Libgudes. This tool is an evolution of the portal. Libguides are easy to use resources that allow librarians and information staff to collaborate and collect resources for specific topics in one place. In addition it allows for feedback from users on resources they would like to add or when links are not sufficient. I have created and collaborated on more then ten LibGuides. In two of my classes LIBR 246 Information Technology Tools and Applications and LIBR 287 Emerging Technologies I was able to collaborate on two guides.
Conclusion
Libraries need to look at communication and social technologies as valuable tools for communicating with and serving their current users and for attracting new ones. These tools provide libraries with a human connection beyond their physical boundaries. Using them can promote communication, collaboration, and extend the library into its many communities. They also help librarians position themselves as the online hub of their community making libraries more relevant to people and creating a new understanding for what libraries are and what they can do.
Evidence Summary and Artifacts
#1 How To Find a Journal Screencast
Introduces users to the three ways to find journals and full text on the lane.stanford.edu website.
http://www.screencast.com/t/1QCSEmKyujA1
Introduces users to the three ways to find journals and full text on the lane.stanford.edu website.
http://www.screencast.com/t/1QCSEmKyujA1
#3 Do you think libraries should be building presence and providing
services in MySpace and/or Facebook? Why or why not?
evidence_libr_246_blog_week_6.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
References
Farkas, M. (2007). Social Software in Libraries. New Jersey: Information Today.