Introduction
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the ability to identify, use, and evaluate current and emerging technologies has become a core competency for information professionals. As Kroski (2022) notes, "virtual services, collections, and events have become more important than ever in information organizations today" (p. 143). This shift reflects not only changing user expectations but also the critical need for innovative approaches to information access, preservation, and engagement.
The impact of technology on information services is multifaceted, transforming how we preserve, present, and provide access to collections and services. According to Harlan (2022), "the age of information has redefined literacy in libraries to include digital literacy, visual literacy and audio literacy with print literacy" (p. 93). This evolution demands that information professionals develop systematic approaches to technological adoption and implementation, ensuring these tools effectively serve diverse user communities.
Identifying emerging technologies requires a methodical approach to professional development and technological awareness. Information professionals must actively engage with multiple channels including professional journals, conferences, webinars, and peer networks to stay current with technological trends and innovations. Beyond theoretical knowledge, hands-on experimentation and testing of emerging technologies is crucial - professionals must maintain the flexibility and willingness to research, test, and critically evaluate new tools through direct experience.
The evaluation process forms the second critical component of technological proficiency. As Breeding (2022) emphasizes, "the constantly turning cycles of technology mean that information organizations must continually adapt to changes, including broad trends emerging from the business sector as well as technology trends specifically oriented to information organizations" (p. 343). Effective evaluation requires comprehensive frameworks that consider accessibility, cost-effectiveness, user needs, and institutional constraints. This systematic approach helps information professionals make evidence-based decisions about technology adoption that align with their institution's mission and resources.
Finally, implementing emerging technologies requires both technical proficiency and strategic planning. Success in this area demands more than just technical knowledge – it requires understanding how these tools can meaningfully serve our communities while working within often limited budgets and resources. Whether implementing virtual reality for cultural heritage preservation, utilizing artificial intelligence for enhanced user experiences, or developing research methodologies for evidence-based technology adoption, information professionals must demonstrate both technical competence and strategic vision in their approach to technology implementation.
My professional and academic experiences demonstrate a methodical approach to identifying, evaluating, and implementing emerging technologies that address diverse information needs while navigating institutional and resource constraints.
1. My development of a comprehensive research methodology for evaluating virtual reality applications in cultural heritage institutions demonstrates my ability to systematically assess emerging technologies. Recognizing the need for evidence-based approaches to technology adoption, I designed a rigorous two-phase study incorporating both qualitative interviews and quantitative survey methods to evaluate virtual reality's potential for special collections and archives. This methodological approach exemplifies my understanding that effective technology implementation must be grounded in thorough evaluation and contextual understanding rather than simply adopting the latest innovations.
The research design I developed showcases my sophisticated understanding of how to evaluate emerging technologies through multiple lenses. By incorporating expert purposive sampling of ten professionals with direct VR implementation experience across diverse cultural heritage institutions (libraries, archives, and museums), I created a framework that would capture comprehensive insights about real-world implementation challenges, costs, and benefits. My carefully crafted methodology included development of key interview questions targeting the most critical aspects of technology evaluation: "In what capacity has virtual reality been the most impactful at your institution and why?" and "Overall, do you believe the investment in virtual reality is worth it? Can you describe the costs and the returns?" These questions demonstrate my understanding that technology evaluation must consider not just technical capabilities but practical impact, return on investment, and alignment with institutional goals.
The second phase of my methodology further illustrates my strategic approach to technology evaluation through convenience sampling and web-based surveys. This design choice reflects my understanding that comprehensive technology evaluation requires insights from multiple stakeholders at different organizational levels - from managers making budget decisions to specialists handling technical implementation. My detailed planning for data collection, including provisions for capturing ticket sales, attendance records, educational outcomes, and user statistics, demonstrates my awareness that technology evaluation must incorporate multiple metrics to assess true institutional impact. This methodical approach showcases my ability to design comprehensive evaluation frameworks that balance technical, operational, and user-centered considerations when assessing emerging technologies.
2. My evaluation and implementation of artificial intelligence tools provides a second piece of evidence. For the “Heist at the Gardener's” environment and VR project videos, I conducted extensive research into AI voice generation platforms, testing multiple options to find the most natural-sounding and cost-effective solution for creating voiceover narration. This process required careful evaluation of both free and paid options, considering factors like voice quality, customization capabilities, and usage rights. Similarly, I've systematically evaluated AI image generation tools including Adobe Firefly, Night Cafe, DALL-E, and Canva's AI features to identify the most effective options for creating compelling visuals. This evaluation process led to successful implementation across multiple projects - from developing storyboards and creating art for team workflow websites to creating engaging promotional materials for an elementary school reading contest, Wild About Books. The same methodical approach guided my selection of free video editing and animation software, resulting in effective promotional videos and engaging library orientation materials.
3. My adaptability and systematic learning in web-based technologies is demonstrated by my drive to expand my technical skill set by learning HTML to develop a fictional library website, utilizing Google Suite, specifically sites, for educational resource development, and creating a WordPress blog focused on Cultural Property Protection. Each of these projects required careful evaluation of platform capabilities, user needs, and implementation requirements. For example, when developing the library website, I systematically assessed various web development tools and platforms that require little or no cost to libraries before choosing to learn HTML and Google Sites, recognizing that understanding these fundamental web technologies would provide flexibility, control, and cost effectiveness in future projects.
My demonstrated ability to systematically identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies positions me to effectively navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape in information organizations. Through careful methodological design, hands-on technology testing, and strategic implementation approaches, I've shown the ability to assess technological innovations through multiple lenses - from technical capabilities to practical implementation considerations and alignment with institutional goals.
In my future professional practice, I will continue applying these methodical approaches to technology evaluation and adoption. I will prioritize evidence-based decision making that balances innovation with institutional constraints, ensuring that technology implementations effectively serve user needs while remaining sustainable and cost-effective. My experience designing comprehensive research methodologies provides a strong foundation for continually evaluating new technologies as they emerge, while my hands-on implementation experience ensures I can effectively translate technological potential into practical applications.
To remain current with rapidly evolving technologies and methodological approaches, I will actively engage with professional resources including the Library Information Technology Association, the New Media Consortium Horizon Report, and the International Conference on Emerging Technologies in Libraries. Additionally, I will engage with resources focused on research methodologies in technology evaluation, including the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology and the Digital Library Federation. These varied resources will ensure I maintain both theoretical knowledge and practical implementation skills while continuing to develop rigorous frameworks for evaluating and implementing emerging technologies in information environments.
Breeding, M. (2022). Managing technology. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information Services Today (3rd ed., pp. 343-354). Rowman & Littlefield.
Harlan, M. A. (2022). Literacy and media centers. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information Services Today (3rd ed., pp. 93-102). Rowman & Littlefield.
Kroski, E. V. (2022). Virtual resources and services. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information Services Today (3rd ed., pp. 143-152). Rowman & Littlefield.