SLO 6. The student applies appropriate technology for effective information services.
Technology is transforming how information is delivered and processed from the library to its users. Unlike before access is available right at our fingertips. And libraries must evolve to meet the growing technology trends and demands. Technology helps the library connect with people, ensure that information is accessible to all, and sparks change in the lives of their users (Public Libraries & Technology, 2012). As a librarian, I am excited to develop programs to meet the technological needs of my potential future users and to be apart of initiatives that will embark on a change in how the community views and utilizes the library to meet their personal goals and transform their lives.
To better prepare myself to use technology in my career as a future librarian I took the course LIS 635: Digital Media Production for Libraries. In this course, I learned how to use digital media and technology tools to better serve library users, increase my reach when facilitating programs, and to aide information seekers in the library. One of my favorite assignments was to create an infographic for the class. The infographic focused on the similarities that we all shared in that class. And while it was a fun assignment to complete I learned how infographics can be used to engage with intended audiences to share a message in a way that is fun and interactive.
Since this assignment, I've made more of an effort to market my programs with bright flyers, interactive, and manipulatives. One manipulative I'm proud of is a loyalty card that I created using digital software to sustain participation in a preteen program. At the start of the program, each participant was given a loyalty card and told that by visiting each station of the program they would receive a hole punch in their card. And once their card was completed punched out they would turn it in to receive an incentive. This addition to the program increased program engagement and attendance during the program.
Technology has increased how programs are delivered at my library location and other libraries globally. In the last year, my library developed a maker space after receiving a grant from Google Fiber. To better prepare myself to facilitate programs in the space I collaborated with my colleagues for guidance, sought opportunities to strengthen my skills when using the new technology, and volunteered for opportunities to shadow programs to learn the best practices when teaching potential users how to use the equipment. Before the implementation of the space, I had little to no knowledge of how to use 3-D printers and vinyl cutters, and I was not comfortable facilitating a program in the space.
But after months of seeking training opportunities I've learned how to lead 3-D printer programs using the software TinkerCad. Not only have I taught teens how to use the software and equipment I have also been able to teach my colleagues how to use the equipment to serve the users in their communities. But I am most proud of the fact that I've been able to take my newly developed technology skills and implement them in different types of programs. For example, in my GREAT Literary Group, we usually focus on activities that build confidence and unity among the group. In a few recent sessions, I've been able to teach the young women how to use TinkerCad to create 3-D printed positive self-talk key chains. This blended program is so important to me because not only am I teaching young women the power of positive self-talk I am also introducing them to new technology that could spark a new interest in them and transform their lives. And being that I facilitate these visits in the community and that many of my program participants rarely visit the library these lessons are even more valuable to me.
Technology is transforming how I facilitate programs in my community. Many of the courses that I completed as a Graduate student introduced me to new ways to reach my audience. I am excited to see how my efforts continue to transform as technology and information services continue to evolve.
To better prepare myself to use technology in my career as a future librarian I took the course LIS 635: Digital Media Production for Libraries. In this course, I learned how to use digital media and technology tools to better serve library users, increase my reach when facilitating programs, and to aide information seekers in the library. One of my favorite assignments was to create an infographic for the class. The infographic focused on the similarities that we all shared in that class. And while it was a fun assignment to complete I learned how infographics can be used to engage with intended audiences to share a message in a way that is fun and interactive.
Since this assignment, I've made more of an effort to market my programs with bright flyers, interactive, and manipulatives. One manipulative I'm proud of is a loyalty card that I created using digital software to sustain participation in a preteen program. At the start of the program, each participant was given a loyalty card and told that by visiting each station of the program they would receive a hole punch in their card. And once their card was completed punched out they would turn it in to receive an incentive. This addition to the program increased program engagement and attendance during the program.
Technology has increased how programs are delivered at my library location and other libraries globally. In the last year, my library developed a maker space after receiving a grant from Google Fiber. To better prepare myself to facilitate programs in the space I collaborated with my colleagues for guidance, sought opportunities to strengthen my skills when using the new technology, and volunteered for opportunities to shadow programs to learn the best practices when teaching potential users how to use the equipment. Before the implementation of the space, I had little to no knowledge of how to use 3-D printers and vinyl cutters, and I was not comfortable facilitating a program in the space.
But after months of seeking training opportunities I've learned how to lead 3-D printer programs using the software TinkerCad. Not only have I taught teens how to use the software and equipment I have also been able to teach my colleagues how to use the equipment to serve the users in their communities. But I am most proud of the fact that I've been able to take my newly developed technology skills and implement them in different types of programs. For example, in my GREAT Literary Group, we usually focus on activities that build confidence and unity among the group. In a few recent sessions, I've been able to teach the young women how to use TinkerCad to create 3-D printed positive self-talk key chains. This blended program is so important to me because not only am I teaching young women the power of positive self-talk I am also introducing them to new technology that could spark a new interest in them and transform their lives. And being that I facilitate these visits in the community and that many of my program participants rarely visit the library these lessons are even more valuable to me.
Technology is transforming how I facilitate programs in my community. Many of the courses that I completed as a Graduate student introduced me to new ways to reach my audience. I am excited to see how my efforts continue to transform as technology and information services continue to evolve.
Artifacts
Flyers and Digital Tools
These are all examples of flyers and program materials that I created using digital software for my programming efforts at ImaginOn as a Teen Services Specialist
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Lesson Plan
This artifact is a lesson plan that I created to use technology to aide in the comprehension of the text covered in an outreach book club session.
Lesson Plan: Reading Outside the Box (Poetry and Technology).docx | |
File Size: | 55 kb |
File Type: | docx |
References
Public Libraries & Technology. (2012, September 28). Retrieved from American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/public-libraries-technology