Embedded Files
Course Information
Course Information
FALL 2023
Instructor: Stacy Zemke, MSKM, MA
Course Format: Online
Course Description: Students will learn the fundamentals of information technology concepts and applications, understand and utilize emerging technologies to meet society's rapidly changing information needs, and apply these in solving various information problems. No student may earn credit for both 4063and 5063.
Course Prerequisites: Graduate standing, and LIS 5033 or concurrent enrollment.
Course Goals and Learning Objectives for Students: The materials, activities, and content in this course are designed to guide your learning process to ensure you can:
Outline the history and current developments in formation technology, including hardware, software, and Internet-based technologies.
Explain the fundamentals of computer networks and the Internet.
Create data structures and manipulate data sets.
Discuss security, privacy, and other social issues inherent in information technology.
Identify critical issues involved in managing and implementing information systems including technology, human, social, and organizational issues.
Design and implement information technology solutions in networked environments.
Address the underlying concepts and issues of library technology management.
Evaluate emerging technologies for potential use in libraries.
5063 Tech Brief.pdfLearning Artifact: Technology Briefing
Learning Artifact: Technology Briefing
Library Application for the Dougherty County Public Library - A tech briefing featuring a need for a community library system and the steps to creating a solution for that need.
Reflection & Analysis
I am not a technology person. I have a phone that I mostly use to read books and an iPad that I use to write and take notes on. I don't know the ins and outs of these devices and I am probably only using them to less than half of their capabilities. So when it was time for this course, I was nervous about how well I would do.
Technology in libraries and other information spaces is ever-growing. We use technology at almost every point - from cataloging and storing information, to checking out materials, to looking for materials. It's important that library professionals are up to date on changes and advances in tech because it all eventually hits libraries and other information spaces. Now, card catalogs for libraries and other information centers are completely online; from home, users can see exactly what materials are available and even put them on hold. Online databases provide information to patrons at the click of a mouse or a swipe of a thumb that previously had not been available to them except through books and physical materials. Digitizing materials means that information spaces can now keep materials for years that had often been at risk of physical degradation. Technology in information spaces are necessary and makes so much more accessible than ever.
The assignment that really stood out to me and really supported my learning was the "Internet Activity" assignment. For my assignment, I researched generative artificial intelligence (AI) and then practice using some of the tools. I read through and summarized some articles that spoke about generative AI and it's current and future used in libraries. Then I was able to play around with some of the chatbots and some of the art. While AI has not made a big splash in libraries just yet, this assignment further pushed the idea that it is coming and it is smart to be aware of the tool and the many ways it can be used - positively and negatively!
The final project in this course was to create a tech-based solution to a problem in a library. Library websites and applications are extremely important, even moreso now after COVID-19 pandemic made going out into the world feel dangerous. The effects of that still linger with so many more people using the web for their library and information needs. I researched my hometown library system (and spoke with some friends and family members who use the library) and saw the need for an updated library application. With that knowledge, I wrote up a potential briefing for a library application. It was a great way to one, learn how to write a tech brief, but also just to learn how this piece of technology can truly support a library and their customers' needs.
Learning Objective(s) Met:
3.1: To understand the techniques for determining community interests and needs in order to create programs to meet these needs.
3.3: To determine and effectively use technology tools to create, plan, organize, and promote library programs and other services.
2.3: To improve oral and written communication in order to share and promote the interests of community members.
4.4: To stay up-to-date on current technology tools to support in information and library work.
This course supported these learning objectives. The internet activity taught me about a tech tool that's being used in a number of sectors, with libraries being no different (4.4). The technology briefing served the purpose of giving me the opportunity to research and interview community members to learn their needs (3.1), to plan the creating of a tool that would support library services (3.2), and to write up that plan cohesively so as to convince stakeholders of its need (2.3).
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse