Competency H
demonstrate proficiency in the use of current information and communication technologies, and other related technologies, as they affect the resources and uses of libraries and other types of information providing entities
The rapid advance of technology has impacted the way information is created, stored, organized, delivered, retrieved, and used. The resources, services, and usage of libraries and information centers depend in great part on the availability and accessibility of up to date technologies. Thus, in order to keep services effective and relevant, librarians and information professionals must be aware of and be proficient in current information and communication technologies and the trends they follow. Throughout my professional career I have always been dependant on existing and emerging technologies to execute my job properly. As such I am very familiar with updated methods of accessing, delivering, and retrieving information. In addition I am able to operate and troubleshoot a variety of communication and other technology platforms. Couple those abilities with the knowledge obtained in this subject through the MLIS program and I firmly believe I can offer a valuable technological skill set to any organization. In the writing that follows I give different examples based on my coursework that attest to my proficiency in this competency.
During a group assignment for LIBR 202 (Information Retrieval) I helped develop an information retrieval system for peer-reviewed articles in the field of Library and Information Science using the InMagic/DB TextWork tool. InMagic/DB TextWorks is a database and text retrieval software that enables one to build networked and stand-alone text databases to manage diverse types of information including documents, images, and multimedia. My role in this group assignment consisted of reading the different articles to be indexed and developing keywords to describe them accurately. I also helped enter the raw data into the database and designed the look of the interface. Creating this data structure allowed me practice on the parameters and correct protocols of designing retrieval systems while proving to me the technological complexity involved in such a task. However, it was during the testing of the database that I really became proficient at exploring ways of utilizing an information system more efficiently from the user's point of view. By having a basic knowledge of how to construct a database I have the skill set to create text based data structures for different application needs. For example, while in class we only built an information database pertinent to the library field, I can also create data structures that contain customer information, company policies, contracts, dates, or any other type of data. This skill is readily transferrable to the management of information in our field.
On the user side, I experienced conducting research with the aid of several technologies such as electronic reference tools, printed resources, microfilm and microfiche, and compact discs (CD-ROMs). In LIBR 210 (Reference and Information Services) I conducted a series of exercises that were intended to have students answer reference questions by utilizing online and printed information resources. For an assignment I explored resources like directories, almanacs, yearbooks, and handbooks. Some of those I accessed online through free Internet web sites or online directories. Yet others I had to access through other technologies such as CD-ROMs, microfilm and microfiche, or printed resources only available at the local library. Another exercise had me accessing and retrieving information from biographical, dictionaries, and encyclopedia resources. Again many times I was able to locate the information online but in some instances I found myself utilizing my local library's electronic catalog to locate and retrieve the printed or electronic sources I needed. A different exercise I appreciated was a reference assignment using solely online indexes. Though electronic in nature indexes such as Lexis Nexis, Gale, Expanded Academic, Lit Finder in Wilson Web, PsyInfo are very different other search resources such as web browsers and require that users develop a base knowledge of search strategies, syntaxes, and protocols that make searches more focused and effective. These exercises were useful in teaching me how to best select and use research resources of any kind. I noticed that the more I investigated the best research tools available, the faster and more effective my searches for information tended to be. My constant use of all these and other technologies throughout the MLIS program has helped cement my knowledge, developed my research skill set, and helped me become familiarized with the various tools that are available.
One of the most familiar technologies to users regardless of expertise level is the Internet. The Internet has effectively erased location barriers dramatically increasing the accessibility and dissemination of information. Nowadays, libraries are able to deliver information and reference services to remote users anywhere where there is a connection available. An Internet assignment for LIBR 245 (Advanced Online Searching) built upon the skill set acquired in the MLIS program as well as my hands-on research experience in my work environment. In the final paper for this class I reviewed the effectiveness of different research resources at offering results for one central query. The query I chose was using vegetable oil as an alternative source of energy not only in the automobile industry but also in industrial, professional and commercial settings. For this research I explored the usability of different online research tools such as search engines, directories, and paid or specialized databases, and made a recommendation regarding the best research tools and search strategies for this type of specialized query. This was a fun but draining exercise that definitely built up my research skills using online technologies and made me appreciate the sheer variety of resources and tools that I, as an information professional, can use to meet the information needs of my users.
Using the Internet as main framework, I participated in the Virtual Reference Desk (VRD) project as a virtual reference librarian for my LIBR 210 (Reference and Information Services) class. The VRD is an effort by the library community that offers digital reference mainly to K-12 students. During the few weeks that I was able to practice my reference desk skills, I logged in on a daily basis, selected reference questions, conducted appropriate research, and answered questions with the research support I had obtained. None of this would have been possible without the Internet and platform technology upon which the VRD framework is built. I appreciated this experience because it exposed me to a different kind of information reference services, thus, expanding my knowledge base and skill set.
Through non-school courses in HTML and Dreamweaver design I have learned how to create web sites. Some examples are a web site for my current work place (www.blueprintventures.com), another one for my part-time boot camp business (www.powerfitcamp.com), and this very e-Portfolio (www.stancesf.com). I consider web pages to be an example of a technology and communication tool that has only existed for the last 20 years or so. Being knowledgeable of advanced technologies such as HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CCS), and JavaScript allows me to design and build complex web sites that are the information basis of the Internet. This is a useful skill set in the library and information field with immediate applications in helping users access information, reaching and targeting certain groups, communicating with a customer base, or uniquely positioning a business (or library!) through online based marketing.
I have been able to complete the MLIS program through the use of current information and communication technologies. A big percentage of all my courses were done online and remotely by using an array of modern software and technologies. The most basic software such as word processors and spreadsheet programs helped me put together and submit assignments, papers, and other research. The use of BlackBoard Academic Suite as a virtual classroom tool allowed me to connect with professors, fellow students, and even special interest groups such as the Society of American Archivists Student Chapter (SAASC) as well as download lectures, submit assignments, participate in discussions, and review my grades and progress in my courses. At times I would be required to use the Elluminate web conferencing and collaboration tool to attend virtual lectures which allowed our entire class to meet, learn, share presentation materials, and participate in lively discussions just as we would do in a physical class setting. Elluminate also allowed us the use of text and voice as means of communication something that has immediate applications in my work setting where we regularly utilize instant messaging and tele-conferencing tools to connect remotely. In order to complete assignments I fully utilized online research services such as the databases available through the university's King Library's web site. Finally, most of the communication done in my courses has also taken place through the use of e-mail, another great example of a current technology that is almost essential in today's business applications. My personal use of all these different resources and tools has afforded me the ability to help friends, family members, and business contacts to search for information more effectively.
As information technologies are created, discarded, or updated on an almost daily basis, librarians and information professionals have to be very comfortable using them in order to provide efficient services to our users. I understand that I might never be required to build a data structure or a web site during the course of my regular work but I feel that I must understand how these technologies work, how they can help satisfy users' needs, and how they can be applied to offering better library services. Being able to retrieve information through different pathways and technologies effectively helps librarians and information professionals fulfill our mission of increasing our users' access to information.
Evidentiary
LIBR 202 - Information Retrieval - Information Retrieval System Design
LIBR 210 - Reference & Information Services - Directories Exercise
LIBR 210 - Reference & Information Services - Biographical Exercise
LIBR 210 - Reference & Information Services - Indexes Exercise
LIBR 210 - Reference & Information Services - Virtual Reference Desk Experience