Competency H

Demonstrate proficiency in identifying, using, and evaluating current and emerging information and communication technologies

statement of competency

Introduction

We are in a new era known as the information or digital age. Computers, the internet, and smartphones have radically changed the fabric of our society. We are more connected than ever to people at home and around the world. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to technology and the internet. In the United States, there is a digital divide for “older adults, rural residents, those with lower levels of education and income, and racial minorities” (Institute of Museums and Library Services, n.d., para. 1). Anderson and Kumar (2019) states, “Roughly three-in-ten adults with household incomes below $30,000 a year (29%) don’t own a smartphone. More than four-in-ten don’t have home broadband services (44%) or a traditional computer (46%)” (para. 2). This is why it is imperative that public libraries provide patrons with access to the internet and technology, so the gap in the digital divide can be bridged.

This endeavor was greatly aided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which provided public libraries in all 50 states with computers, internet access, and library staff training. (Gordon et al. 2003, para. 3). Before the foundation’s donation in 1997 only one in four public libraries offered free computer and internet access, but as of 2015, that number has increased to 99.2% (Clark, Palmer, & Bertot, 2005; Institute of Museum and Library Services, n.d.). However, in 2020 Americans were cut off from that access as public libraries nationwide shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. People were urged to work and/or go to school from their home computers. Not surprisingly, Vogels et al. (2020) found that “roughly half of U.S. adults (53%) say the internet has been essential for them personally during the pandemic and another 34% describe it as ‘important, but not essential.’” (para. 2). The issue is that this development left many people without access to the internet they would normally use at work, school, and/or the library. It is unknown what the long-term impacts this will have on society. What is known is that information and communication technologies are crucial and libraries are needed to make them available to the public.

Identifying Technology

Librarians need to pay attention to current and emerging information and communication technologies, so they are able to recognize them. As information professionals, it is expected that we will know about technology of all sorts, and be able to help patrons find information on them. At my library patrons often ask for consumer reports, user guides for technology, and repair manuals. People want to know what to buy, how to use the technology they purchased, and how to fix machines when they break. Additionally, patrons like to talk about technology with library staff. Therefore, it is helpful to be knowledgeable about the topic. Librarians can learn about new technologies through conferences, library journals, forums, blogs, and news stories.

Librarians also need to be able to identify the right technology to use for a given task. When contacting a patron, coworker, or vendor it is important to choose the appropriate communication method. For instance, phone calls, letters, emails, text messages, or chat services all have their advantages and disadvantages. With the exception of letters, all of these communication choices are available through internet and smartphone applications. When patrons inquire about what technology to use for their specific needs, librarians need to know what to recommend. Such as when to use a scanner versus a copying machine, the pros, and cons of using Microsoft Office versus Google Workspace, or Encyclopedia Britannica versus Wikipedia. Librarians must also identify the appropriate social media platform to use to promote the library, share stories, and spread information.

Using Technology

Librarians need to know how to use current and emerging information and communication technologies so they can help others use them. One of the most frequent requests I receive at the circulation desk is help with technology. Patrons want to know how to use their cellphones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, etc. and they expect library staff to show them. Additionally, they sometimes need help with the technology the library provides for patrons to use. This is especially true for the older generation that did not grow up with the technology that we use today. As a digital native (a person brought up in the digital age) it is easier for me to understand current technology. However, technology is rapidly evolving and if I do not learn how to use the latest technology then I will not be able to help my patrons. That is why it is important to stay current with the latest trends in technology. Even if the library does not purchase said technology, patrons that do may have questions about how to use it. Therefore, I need to be able to answer those questions.

Librarians also need to know how to use the current and future technologies that enable us to do our jobs. Libraries use Integrated Library Systems to manage their circulation, cataloging, reference, acquisition tasks alongside their Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). This software allows librarians to handle the operations needed to run the library. Additionally, libraries have computers, printers, 3D printers, scanners, copiers, self-checkout machines, makerspaces, and other technology for both patrons and staff to use. Librarians use websites, social media, e-newsletters, infographics, virtual reference, screencasts, library guides, and pathfinders to connect their patrons with information. Furthermore, throughout the pandemic libraries have been using internet-based telecommunications to deliver programs to their patrons. Applications such as Zoom, Skype, and Facebook Live have been the most popular choices. All of these examples require librarians to be proficient in their use.

Evaluating Technology

Librarians need to evaluate which current and emerging information and communication technologies to invest in. Not every new technology will catch on, so librarians should only purchase technology that people will use. Libraries have restricted budgets so they need to make the most of the money they receive. For smaller or rural libraries, they may need a grant from their parent organization, government, or charitable organization(s) to purchase new equipment. Furthermore, librarians carefully evaluate software such as Integrated Library Systems (ILS), Electronic Resource Management systems, and Content Management Systems before deciding which best suits their needs. For example, switching to a new ILS can be a time-consuming and difficult process to undertake so careful consideration needs to be made first. Additionally, librarians evaluate the websites and software they intend to share with the public before implementing them. To do so they may ask patrons to do a survey, card sort activity, or observe them using the technology. After the data is collected they can make the necessary changes needed based on patron feedback. These evaluations are important for maximizing the effectiveness technology has in a library and online.

evidence

Conclusion

Innovation and new technologies are always on the horizon. The future of library technologies may be in virtual/augmented reality, artificial intelligence, gamification, digitized media, and mobile applications. Speaking of gamification, the Reporters without Borders created the Uncensored Library in the game Minecraft so people all over the world could access information even if their country restricted the press. This is because strict regimes do not censor or block Minecraft, thereby creating a loophole for journalists (para. 2). This is just one example of the amazing ingenuity people have in utilizing technology for information.

References

Anderson, M., & Kumar, M. (2019, May 7). Digital divide persists even as lower-income Americans make gains in tech adoption. Pew Research. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/05/07/digital-divide-persists-even-as-lower-income-americans-make-gains-in-tech-adoption/

Clark, L., Palmer, K., & Bertot, J. (2005, June 23). U.S. public libraries providing unprecedented access to computers, the internet, and technology training. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/news/news/pressreleases2005/june2005/librariescomputeraccess

Gordon, A. C., Gordon, M. T., Moore, E., & Heuertz, L. (2003). The Gates legacy: what's changed and what's next as librarians work to sustain public access to computers. Library Journal, 128(4), 44. Retrieved from https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=the-gates-legacy

Institute of Museum and Library Services. (n.d.). Broadband. Retrieved April 16, 2021, from https://www.imls.gov/our-work/priority-areas/broadband

Uncensored Library. (n.d.). About the project. Retrieved April 16, 2021 from https://uncensoredlibrary.com/en

Vogels, E. A., Perrin, A., Rainie, L., & Anderson, M. (2020, April 30). 53% of Americans say the internet has been essential during the COVID-19 outbreak. Pew Research. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/04/30/53-of-americans-say-the-internet-has-been-essential-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/