Competency H

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

Introduction

Technology is constantly changing and evolving, becoming more digital and interconnected. As a result, older information and communication technologies are rapidly becoming obsolete and being replaced by newer technologies. These technologies allow information institutions to communicate and connect with customers and address their information needs in new and different ways. In order to continue serving their customers effectively and ensuring that they remain relevant, information institutions need to adapt to the rapid changes and be proficient in identifying, using, and evaluating current and emerging technologies.

Explication

Identify

One of the factors in adapting to new technologies is to be proactive in identifying existing and emerging trends. “Information professionals need to do more than just see the changes currently happening; they need to get out in front of them— forecasting what is to come and proactively moving ahead to these changes” (Abram, 2022, p.28). By anticipating future needs and methods of sharing information and communicating, information institutions can be better prepared to respond to changing trends.

The four most prominent patterns in technology development, as highlighted by Cassell & Hiremath (2014), include the following:

● Collaboration: tools that are used for cooperative content creation. This includes tools such as Google Drive/Workspace, blogs, vlogs, and podcasts. Google Drive/Workspace allows teams to work collaboratively on various projects both synchronously and asynchronously. Blogs, vlogs, and podcasts aid in building knowledge among the public to share information and updates in different formats – written, video, and audio. Tools like Google Meet and Zoom allow people to conduct meetings and collaborate regardless of place and time, which was extremely useful during the pandemic.

● Social networking: online sites and apps that provide for space to build communities. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are all social media platforms that can be used to connect with targeted audiences, communicate information in real time, and improve community engagement.

● Customization: tools that let you modify objects to fit particular needs. Online content management systems like WordPress and website plugins and widgets provide different ways of interacting with customers. Mashups, the integration of outside tools like Google Maps, allow institutions to provide a more unique user experience. QR codes are barcodes that provide a shorter way to access websites and online resources. Users scan the barcodes with their mobile devices, redirecting them to the appropriate sites.

● Seamlessness: tools that integrate across different platforms to provide information to anyone at any time. An example is a mobile reference. “The ever-increasing adoption of smartphones and tablets is a trend that has major implications for the ways information organizations provide access to their collections and deliver their services to their clients” (Breeding, 2022, p.348). Integrating mobile references and services into existing systems allow users additional means to find what they need. Other examples include chatbots and voice-activated services, which use software to provide information through human-like conversations.

Many of the current and emerging technologies fit into two or more of these most common patterns. By identifying potentially beneficial tools to adopt into daily practices and procedures, information institutions can continue to enhance their overall services.

Use & Evaluate

The other important factor for information institutions in adapting to technological changes is knowing how to use and evaluate existing and new tools and technologies. The only way one can determine whether or not a tool will be beneficial or of use in serving the customers’ needs is to use and evaluate it. Through the evaluation process, professionals can determine the effectiveness and the overall value and impact a tool has on services, providing information, and connecting with customers. There are various questions to consider. Does the tool help the institutions achieve the institution’s mission and goals? Does it fall in line with what customers value or need most? How well does it perform? Is it economical and easy to use and/or maintain? Does it provide satisfactory results? The best tools provide the most impact with the least cost (Matthews, 2018). These tools make sharing information and resources and managing institutional services easier, more efficient, and more effective. However, these tools are only as useful as those who use them. Institutions and professionals need to have the flexibility to learn about new technologies and use them consistently to have the most impact.

Evidence

INFO 200 – Information Communities: Creating an Infographic for Blog Post #7

For one of the blog entries, I had to research how my chosen community finds and shares new information and then create an infographic of the various information and communication technologies they use. I used Canva, a free online graphic design platform, to make the infographic. The infographic provided details about different communication mediums that my research community utilized, such as podcasts, social media groups, online forums, blogs/vlogs, as well as mobile applications. Platforms like Canva make it easy and affordable to create informational content both in and out of information institutions.

Blogs are great tools for communicating, disseminating information, and engaging with different community members. It is also great for connecting with followers, adding to existing conversations, and creating new discussion topics.

INFO 284 – History of Libraries in the U.S.: Discussion Post - Podcasting American Library History

For this discussion post, I had to choose a podcast episode that discussed various topics related to libraries and their history. Then, I evaluated it, provided a summary, and explained whether or not I would recommend the podcast. This assignment introduced me to the world of podcasts. Prior to this, I was familiar with podcasts but never really spent much time listening to them. I discovered that podcasts aren’t just a source of entertainment like audiobooks. Podcasts offer listeners an excellent opportunity to learn new things and spark new conversations. Modern communication methods like podcasts keep libraries and other information institutions relevant, remind customers of their value, and ensure that they continue to be part of the discussion.

INFO 287 – Adult Literacy: Using Trello to Develop a Collection

As part of a group project, my partner and I utilized an online collaboration and list-making tool called Trello to demonstrate a portion of our selection process for developing a collection for a fictional library system. This tool allowed us to collect, organize, and budget the resources and materials that we selected for our collection. The tool itself is a very versatile tool that can be applied to a variety of different projects regardless of the industry. Other uses include organizing and managing tasks, requests, workflows, and logistics.

Conclusion

Technological advancement provides information institutions and professionals with both a challenge and an opportunity to improve their services and engage more with their communities. By enhancing their proficiency in identifying, using, and evaluating current and emerging technologies, institutions and professionals can continue to adapt to the rapidly changing world of information and technology and determine which tools would best enhance their services and communication methods with members of their community. In doing so, they create the most impact and continue serving their customers to the best of their abilities and available resources.

References

Abram, S. (2022). The transformative information landscape. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction

(3rd ed., pp. 27–37). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Breeding, M. (2022). Managing technology. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction (3rd ed., pp. 342–

357). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Cassell, K. A., & Hiremath, U. (2018). Reference and information services : An introduction (4th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.

Matthews, J. (2018). Evaluation: An introduction to a crucial skill. In K. Haycock & M. Romaniuk (Eds.), The portable MLIS

(2nd ed., pp. 255–264). Libraries Unlimited.