The Rise of Technology
Technology is a tool and simply that. It can be a communication tool, an education tool, a creative tool, and many more tools. The key to the partnership between technology and librarians is that technology must be understood by librarians, therefore, the basic principles must be able to applied from tool to tool. The basic principles include basic information literacy skills such as advanced searching techniques, the ability to find basic tools on each piece of technology and basic navigation. While libraries generally do not have the funding to possess every piece of technology that pops up on the market, they do have the responsibility of conducting research in order to understand the technology prior to having a user come in, asking for help.
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A common misconception held by the general public is that with the rise of technology, libraries will no longer be needed as the basis of a library is print media and other physical forms of materials. With the increase of electronics from smart phones, tablets, and computers, why would a person want to lug large books around when you can simply read an eBook on your phone? Technology and libraries are not enemies, it is a partnership. Technology allows for more information to be accessible by a greater number of users and libraries ensure a myriad of ways to ensure access to granted to those users, no matter what piece of technology they are using. For those who believe the death of print will mean the death of libraries, they could not be more wrong.
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Web Usability & Compliance
An important component of web design that is easily forgotten is the need for usability testing and compliance with ADA regulations to ensure that all users can access the information despite their disability. In LIS 636, students learn the basics of web design and then delve into the deeper component of making sure that library websites and the services provided online are easy to navigate and usable for each user group. Web design is much more than selecting the right colors and creating an aesthetically pleasing design, it requires a clear purpose adn then spanning from that purpose, creating a manageable navigation and finally ensuring the every user has the ability to use it efficiently and effectively. I learned about user experience testing for LibGuides at Central Carolina Community College and saw the principles and testing we performed in class in action and then see how it sculpted an already established website into a much more manageable resource for their students. For my website, I designed a basic web page for a hand-lettering hobby with the potential of becoming an online shop. The downloadable documents includes the planning, storyboards, and potential user scenarios and some of the usability testing results.
Technology Tools Used in Libraries
Below is some examples of programs I've used in my journey through the MLIS program. The links are to the about page for a general overview of what each product does. When using technology, it is important to remember that one product may only be one piece of the puzzle for a finished product. Programs like Photoshop and Canva are used to ensure an image or graphic is going to work within the bigger design such as Dreamweaver for web designing.
Web DesignPhotograph & Video EditingSpecial Collections & Archive Collection ManagementDatabase tutorial for JSTOR, recorded using Jing screen casting software
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Graphic Design
Digital Curation |
Collaboration ToolsMicrosoft Office Suite
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