Technology
Technology is crucial to the future of libraries. No longer relegated to the techie, technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in every aspect of the average persons life. Just look at how prevalent smart phones have become in such a short period of time. While the creators of software and technological hardware continue to do their best to maximize product usability, technology continues to advance at an even greater pace. This creates a gap in technological literacy, a gap that librarians and other information professionals are well poised to bridge. Librarians need to be able to locate and retrieve information on a variety of different platforms and use a variety of different interfaces. In order to do this they require an understanding of the technology they are using. In addition, librarians have the ability to rapidly find the information required to learn about a new technology. Once found they have the ability to transfer this knowledge to library patrons. As time goes on, technology use increases and the ability to store information improves. This leads to an exponential increase in the amount of information in the world. This information is increasingly accessible with technology. In order to fulfill the role of connecting users to the information they desire it is essential for the librarian to understand technology and be able to assist users in learning how to use technology in order to successfully navigate this ever growing mass of information. After all, information is useless if humans cannot make use of it. Technology is a means to achieving human ends.
I improved my knowledge of technology throughout my MLIS degree, but especially in the following courses:
In LIS 534, I learned how to create my first website with HTML and CSS. I learned the most important thing to keep in mind when creating or evaluating a website is to do one’s best to make it so any users do not have to think. In other words, make it so a user’s experience is completely intuitive. In this course and future IT courses I learned it is extremely important to focus on delivering or maximizing the potential for a positive user experience. When users have positive experiences they become an organization’s greatest asset. Satisfied patrons act as ambassadors, displaying loyalty and positively advertising organizations to friends, acquaintances, and family via word-of-mouth.
In LIS 536, I improved my knowledge of digital reference, information retrieval, and databases. Through class presentations I learned about different reference platforms/vendors used in libraries (e.g. LibraryH3lp, an integrated web chat/IM/SMS platform). I improved my understanding of Internet search engines. This knowledge is exemplified in an assignment I completed comparing Google, Yahoo, and MetaCrawler. I improved my knowledge of databases, which is exemplified in an assignment where I compared Scopus and Web of Science.
In LIS 538, I learned about the creation, organization, access, use, and evaluation of digital libraries. My final project involved creating a digital library using the open source software Greenstone.
In LIS 590, I worked on a project coding citations analysis of French, Spanish, and Italian subject works completed by current and previous professors at the University of Alberta. Work on this project involved a lot of searching, retrieval, and assessment. In addition to exercising my searching skills this project helped improve my knowledge of WorldCat, NEOS, Microsoft Excel, RefWorks, and an assortment of online databases (e.g. Ulrich’s and Scopus). During my practicum I also learned about microfiche and microfilm.
In LIS 591, I explored the impact of digital media and the Internet on the publishing and media industries in class discussions and a reflective paper on the documentary PressPausePlay. I gained experience using and analyzing different eReaders. I created a poster on different public copyright licenses (e.g. Creative Commons and General Public License); using QR-codes and the Aurasma augmented reality app to improve presentation and the ability of viewers to interact with the material.
In LIS 598: Emerging and Evolving Technology, I gained experience selecting and evaluating social media tools. I learned about DRM (Digital Rights Management) with a focus on technological aspects (e.g. encryption, key management, watermarks, and fingerprinting). Other topics I learned about include social tagging, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), OSS (Open Source Software), data curation, and cloud computing.
In LIS 598: Principles & Concepts in Technology Management, I expanded my knowledge of the benefits of technology, types of technology, and how to manage technology-related projects. For example, apps make use of APIs to enable users to interact with data using a different interface to perform specific tasks. Apps can enhance the user experience of mobile users. One way Apps could benefit libraries is they could be used to simplify and increase access to library resources by providing a simple interface and increasing the number of areas where users can access resources. Apps could be created to provide location based item availability mapping, increase social sharing about library resources, increase access to reviews, and enable checkout with smartphones. Apps could even augment reality with RFID to improve shelf browsing. I expanded on the topic of augmented reality in EDES 545 where I completed a group project culminating with the creation of a website on the topic. I wrote the section under ‘Possibilities’ titled ‘The Future of A.R.’ and the sections under ‘Integrate’ titled ‘Library Related Practices - Potential’ and ‘Library Related Practices - Actual’. I consider technology a great deal in a presentation on the future of libraries I created in the same course. For example, I note libraries are increasingly becoming technology hubs and offering patrons the ability to experiment with new technologies (e.g. 3D printers). I also note librarians are increasingly becoming digital media mentors who can teach and assist patrons with the use of all types of digital media and technology.
While working as an intern at Jake Epp Public Library, I conducted tutorials and provided assistance on a variety of topics, including basic computer and Internet skills, operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS), eBooks, email, word processing, Excel, utilizing the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue), and social media. In addition, I assisted with social media promotion on Facebook, provided advice on improving website usability, gained experience with library systems (e.g. eLibraries Manitoba), helped develop and implement a youth gaming service with Steam, and helped troubleshoot issues with library software and equipment.
Over the course of my degree I had many opportunities to utilize technology to connect, study, and work with others virtually. For almost every group project I utilized Google Docs (i.e. freeware web-based software similar to Microsoft Office that enables users to create and edit documents in collaboration with others). While not offered online, I obtained permission from my professor to complete LIS 598: Management of Financial Resources from a different province by participating in class via Skype. I completed two online courses: EDES 545: Information Technologies for Learning and LIS 518: Comic Books and Graphic Novels in Schools and Public Libraries. These classes involved extensive participation in online forums and the completion of group projects virtually. While working as an intern at Jake Epp Public Library, I joined the head librarian in a webinar on inclusive programming and participated in virtual meetings with other Manitoba Youth Initiative Interns using Google+ Hangouts. As can be seen I am fully capable of completing projects and participating in productive discussion digitally.
I improved my knowledge of technology throughout my MLIS degree, but especially in the following courses:
- LIS 534: Information Architecture: Web Design for Usability (IT)
- LIS 536: Digital Reference and Information Retrieval (IT)
- LIS 538: Digital Libraries (IT)
- LIS 590: Practicum (Rutherford Library – University of Alberta)
- LIS 591: Publishing
- LIS 598: Emerging and Evolving Technology (IT)
- LIS 598: Principles & Concepts in Technology Management
- EDES 545: Information Technologies for Learning
In LIS 534, I learned how to create my first website with HTML and CSS. I learned the most important thing to keep in mind when creating or evaluating a website is to do one’s best to make it so any users do not have to think. In other words, make it so a user’s experience is completely intuitive. In this course and future IT courses I learned it is extremely important to focus on delivering or maximizing the potential for a positive user experience. When users have positive experiences they become an organization’s greatest asset. Satisfied patrons act as ambassadors, displaying loyalty and positively advertising organizations to friends, acquaintances, and family via word-of-mouth.
In LIS 536, I improved my knowledge of digital reference, information retrieval, and databases. Through class presentations I learned about different reference platforms/vendors used in libraries (e.g. LibraryH3lp, an integrated web chat/IM/SMS platform). I improved my understanding of Internet search engines. This knowledge is exemplified in an assignment I completed comparing Google, Yahoo, and MetaCrawler. I improved my knowledge of databases, which is exemplified in an assignment where I compared Scopus and Web of Science.
In LIS 538, I learned about the creation, organization, access, use, and evaluation of digital libraries. My final project involved creating a digital library using the open source software Greenstone.
In LIS 590, I worked on a project coding citations analysis of French, Spanish, and Italian subject works completed by current and previous professors at the University of Alberta. Work on this project involved a lot of searching, retrieval, and assessment. In addition to exercising my searching skills this project helped improve my knowledge of WorldCat, NEOS, Microsoft Excel, RefWorks, and an assortment of online databases (e.g. Ulrich’s and Scopus). During my practicum I also learned about microfiche and microfilm.
In LIS 591, I explored the impact of digital media and the Internet on the publishing and media industries in class discussions and a reflective paper on the documentary PressPausePlay. I gained experience using and analyzing different eReaders. I created a poster on different public copyright licenses (e.g. Creative Commons and General Public License); using QR-codes and the Aurasma augmented reality app to improve presentation and the ability of viewers to interact with the material.
In LIS 598: Emerging and Evolving Technology, I gained experience selecting and evaluating social media tools. I learned about DRM (Digital Rights Management) with a focus on technological aspects (e.g. encryption, key management, watermarks, and fingerprinting). Other topics I learned about include social tagging, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), OSS (Open Source Software), data curation, and cloud computing.
In LIS 598: Principles & Concepts in Technology Management, I expanded my knowledge of the benefits of technology, types of technology, and how to manage technology-related projects. For example, apps make use of APIs to enable users to interact with data using a different interface to perform specific tasks. Apps can enhance the user experience of mobile users. One way Apps could benefit libraries is they could be used to simplify and increase access to library resources by providing a simple interface and increasing the number of areas where users can access resources. Apps could be created to provide location based item availability mapping, increase social sharing about library resources, increase access to reviews, and enable checkout with smartphones. Apps could even augment reality with RFID to improve shelf browsing. I expanded on the topic of augmented reality in EDES 545 where I completed a group project culminating with the creation of a website on the topic. I wrote the section under ‘Possibilities’ titled ‘The Future of A.R.’ and the sections under ‘Integrate’ titled ‘Library Related Practices - Potential’ and ‘Library Related Practices - Actual’. I consider technology a great deal in a presentation on the future of libraries I created in the same course. For example, I note libraries are increasingly becoming technology hubs and offering patrons the ability to experiment with new technologies (e.g. 3D printers). I also note librarians are increasingly becoming digital media mentors who can teach and assist patrons with the use of all types of digital media and technology.
While working as an intern at Jake Epp Public Library, I conducted tutorials and provided assistance on a variety of topics, including basic computer and Internet skills, operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS), eBooks, email, word processing, Excel, utilizing the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue), and social media. In addition, I assisted with social media promotion on Facebook, provided advice on improving website usability, gained experience with library systems (e.g. eLibraries Manitoba), helped develop and implement a youth gaming service with Steam, and helped troubleshoot issues with library software and equipment.
Over the course of my degree I had many opportunities to utilize technology to connect, study, and work with others virtually. For almost every group project I utilized Google Docs (i.e. freeware web-based software similar to Microsoft Office that enables users to create and edit documents in collaboration with others). While not offered online, I obtained permission from my professor to complete LIS 598: Management of Financial Resources from a different province by participating in class via Skype. I completed two online courses: EDES 545: Information Technologies for Learning and LIS 518: Comic Books and Graphic Novels in Schools and Public Libraries. These classes involved extensive participation in online forums and the completion of group projects virtually. While working as an intern at Jake Epp Public Library, I joined the head librarian in a webinar on inclusive programming and participated in virtual meetings with other Manitoba Youth Initiative Interns using Google+ Hangouts. As can be seen I am fully capable of completing projects and participating in productive discussion digitally.