Mary Lambert
MLIS Capstone
SLO #6
SLO #6 The student applies appropriate technology for effective information services.
When I was a child, technology played only a minimal role in the lives of librarians. Books were stamped by hand and card catalogs involved physical cards and cabinets. Today, however, libraries are all about keeping up with the ever-changing digital world. Although print books are still available, many collections now house thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and eAudiobooks. Similarly, databases and other online resources are extremely popular with both staff and patrons because they offer quick access to countless resources. Physically, libraries have also changed. For example, they contain computer labs with printers, scanners, and copiers that often see more action than the books on the shelves. Because we are living in a world of technology, librarians must stay abreast of technological advances so they can become leaders in the community and share their knowledge with others. Fortunately, my studies at UNCG have introduced me to a plethora of websites and online tools that will allow me to effectively and efficiently serve the information needs of my community.
SpringShare LibGuides is an excellent curation tool for all librarians because this site allows for a wide variety of resources, both digital and print, to be collected and shared with patrons in a neat, little package. Guides can be created for almost any subject, topic, or course imaginable, and information can be updated as necessary and shared through the library’s website, via email, or even on social media sites. Additionally, creating a LibGuide is very simple and the site offers tons of tutorial options for those in need of extra assistance. This type of resource is an excellent way to meet the different information needs of the community and proves that libraries do, in fact, have a place in the digital world.
Since beginning my coursework at UNCG in 2014, I have created two very different LibGuides. One, which was shared with SLO #4, focuses on zombies, and the other, created in LIS 623: Online Bibliographic Information Retrieval and shared below, focuses on Children’s Health Resources. My second guide offers databases, books, web resources, and videos for students, parents, or professionals interested in children’s health issues. As a representative of UNCG, I attempted to primarily collect resources that could be accessed through UNCG’s library, which, in a way, also serves as an advertisement for the amazing resources this library has to offer. Creating research guides has been very educational. Although I do not consider technology my forte, there are numerous sites and programs available that are user-friendly for both the creator and the audience. Utilizing this technology can help librarians create more efficient libraries and stay relevant in a time when people are quick to doubt the value of libraries.
When it comes to spicing up a presentation, one would be foolish to overlook the power of VoiceThread. This site allows users to create engaging presentations by uploading a variety of materials, such as documents, slides, images, and videos, and then adding narration to provide additional information or share a story. Of course, VoiceThread is not just a fancier version of Microsoft PowerPoint. Rather than just view the materials, the audience can provide commentary by webcam, telephone, microphone, or keyboard. Additionally, VoiceThread allows users who more introverted within a formal classroom setting to share their opinions and pose questions in a way that is comfortable for them. It offers flexibility and the opportunity to collaborate, both of which are valued by librarians.
I put VoiceThread to use in LIS 617: Materials for Children and LIS 618: Materials for Adolescents when I created booktalks. Because I could not actually present in front of a group of students, I had to find a medium that would allow me to record my talks easily and in a way that would be entertaining. VoiceThread was perfect! I uploaded several slides with images and minimal text to allow the focus to remain on the narration rather than the slides. Upon completing my project, I realized that this would be an excellent way allow patrons to access booktalks at their leisure. It would be easy for a librarian to select a topic, upload a few slides or documents, record the narrative, and then share the presentation on the library’s website or via social media. Booktalks could still be conducted in front of live audiences, but creating VoiceThreads would reach more patrons and cater to different learning styles. As a former teacher and future teen services librarian, I completely understand the importance differentiating instruction and presentations to ensure success for everyone involved, which is why I will certainly keep this website in my librarian toolbox.
Creating and distributing exciting and appealing fliers is a great way for librarians to grab the attention of their patrons, members of the community, and even stakeholders. Although there are many websites for creating these materials, one I have used several times, both in class and during my internship, is Smore.com. This site is user-friendly and allows users to create fliers that make a statement. They are perfect handouts for all types of meetings where information needs to be shared in a way that is not overwhelming. The flyers I have created, which are provided below, excite me as a librarian because they prove that broadcasting information in a library setting does not have to be bland and boring. Flyers can be tailored to fit a variety of library needs, like promoting online tools or advertising a contest, and can be carefully designed to reach all patrons, regardless of intellectual ability.
Technology is something that impacts our lives every day. As a librarian, I will be responsible for mastering the devices housed in my library as well as assisting patrons with these devices. Failure to do so will be failing the people that I serve, and that is unacceptable. However, technology is an area in which I struggle, so it will be imperative that I take extra steps to improve my skills whenever possible. Because I plan to work with teenagers in the future, incorporating technology will be essential. Building relationships inside the library will always be a personal and professional goal, but teens are more likely to be online in some form than actually in the building. If I hope to effectively reach them, I must also become experienced with popular websites and become a member of this online community. Although this will not be easy due to the constant developments in technology and the changing tastes of teenagers, I am committed to doing everything possible to achieve these goals.
Throughout my studies, I have been introduced to technology that has helped prepare me to enter the workforce. Although there are plenty of librarians who are uncomfortable working with technology, our profession is no longer one of just books. From locating books in our collection to checking out resources to patrons, the most basic duties now rely on technology. Librarians are also responsible for evaluating, selecting, and even designing tools that serve their patrons. There is simply no room for librarians who refuse to embrace these changes. It is our job as librarians to become leaders and to teach our patrons know how to use these tools to ensure that they, too, are successful.
