List of It Compentencies Acheived In Masters Degree Program-Fundamentals:Libraray and Information Science

Recommended IT Competencies for Librarians in the 21^st Century

 By: Bayo Cary

The following recommendations are based on the assigned class reading by Thompson, S. M., “History and Overview of Technology Competencies In Libraries”:

·         Web 2.0 for librarians and library staff such as wikis, blogs, flickr, Facebook, Twitter, RSS, instant messaging, podcasting, vodcasting,  etc.

·         Staff  Training programs in IT skills

·         Webpage creation

·         Basic Computer Repair and trouble shooting

·         Familiarity of Library computer software

·         Knowledge of Digital Repositories

·         ILS Operational Knowledge such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and configuration.

·         Knowledge of Automated Circulation System policies, procedures, and all related computer functioning 

·         An understanding of laws, policies, and controversies related to IT issues such as the Children’s Internet Protection Action how the process of filtering works as well as issues pertaining to Internet access in the community through both the library and the school system

·         A good comprehension of how technology affects copyright, fair use, plagiarism, and other intellectual property rights such as the Digital Millennium copy Right Act and its effects on the usage of digital media

·         Software licensing and vendor contracts

·         American Disabilities Act and its impact on webpage accessibility

·         Issues pertaining to patron’s rights to privacy and new technological developments that may violate privacy rights

·         Knowledge of government databases such as Agricola, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), and Medline, OCLC (Ohio College Library Center), and MARC

·         (Machine Readable Cataloging)  

·         The ability to perform basic library functions such as: acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and bibliographic database searching

·         The ability to apply the MARC standard and input records into OCLC also are important skills to have in the area of cataloging  

·         Catalogers also benefit from knowledge of MARC format and the ability to enter records in OCLC terminals and modem technologies

·         The ability to conduct mediated searches is needed. Mediated searches provide access to government, commercial databases. 

·         Experience with Boolean logic and KWIC (keyword in context) indexes are needed as well. 

·         Additionally, the ability to search bibliographic databases through the use specialized commands,  and modem protocols should be acquired

·         Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and creation of databases.

·         Knowledge and specialization in specific IT area applications such as function-specific applications were, the interlibrary loan system, and cataloging authority systems.

·         Knowledge of PC technology, such as Windows operating system, word processing, and other office applications as well as E-mail

·         The ability to spot trends in the area of developing technology as well as the ability to identify the need to acquire new technology.

·         Knowledge of link revolvers, metasearch engines, and tagging.

·         Knowledge of open-source initiatives such as ILS applications, institutional repositories, and infrastructure components (e.g.,Apache Web server, Linux operating system) as well as national and international standards beyond MARC-RDF (Resource Description Framework),XML (Extensible Markup Language), Dublin Core Metadata,  and Open URL.

  

·         An understanding of the possibilities and operation of the wireless environment.

·         The ability and initiative to successfully create digital content and alternate digital repository systems.

·         The skills to search effectively and evaluate sources in the Internet environment

·         The desire and initiative to continue learning about new technological developments

·         An understanding of the increased capabilities of new operating systems,  as well as how to customize OS systems so that benefits from the increased complexity of the OS system its ability to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of  the computer use can be reaped

·         The ability to incorporate multimedia and other evolving and developing areas of technology.

·         “Soft" skills are needed, such as: usability, accessibility, marketing, desktop publishing, graphic design, security, and online instructional instruction al technologies 

·         Engagement in competency training programs to raise IT competency levels among library staff.

·         Knowledge of technology in several areas not just one particular specialization.

·         The ability to technically support patrons and their research initiatives.

·         Enough technological knowledge to think creatively and react flexibility with increased capability to technological issues and problems 

·         The ability to comprehend what Integrated library systems provide to make choices based on a more sophisticated understanding of the system and how to customize the application.

·         Understanding of the electronic reserves and its specialized software as well as an understanding of the technology required to input documents such as: scanner, electronic file transfer.

·         Knowledge of special protocols which manage copyright and disability issues, and external access systems, such as course management systems

·         The ability to provide patron support technical support for office productivity software and media applications.

According to Turner's (2006) "20 Technology Skills Every Educator Should Have":

1. Word processing skills

2. Spreadsheet skills

3. Database skills

4. Electronic presentation skills

5. Web navigation skills

6. Web site design skills

7. E-mail management skills

8. Digital camera skills

9. Computer network knowledge applicable to your school system [or library]

10. File management and Windows Explorer skills

11. Downloading software from the Web (knowledge including eBooks)

12. Installing computer software onto a computer system

13. WebCT or Blackboard teaching skills [most applicable to instruction librarians ]

14. Videoconferencing skills

15. Computer-related storage devices (knowledge: disks, CDs, USB drives, zip disks, DVDs, etc.)

16. Scanner knowledge

17. Knowledge of PDAs [although PDAs are fading in importance, small devices from cell phones to iPods are increasingly important as information devices]

18. Deep Web knowledge

19. Educational copyright knowledge

20. Computer security knowledge

·         Active Knowledge of how to find a video online so that it can be played online, and to transfer an MP3 audio file, or edit a photo.

 According to Meredith Farkas (2006) in "Skills for the 21st Century Librarian" a “big picture approach” should be applied to the technological competency that librarians need to have:

1. Ability to embrace change

2. Comfort in the online medium

3. Ability to troubleshoot new technologies

4. Ability to easily learn new technologies

5. Ability to keep up with new ideas in technology and librarians hip (enthusiasm

for learning)

 Farkas (2006) also recommended several higher level technological competencies for librarians:

1. Project management skills

2. Ability to question and evaluate library services

3. Ability to evaluate the needs of all stakeholders

4. Vision to translate traditional library services into the online medium

5. Critical of technologies and ability to compare technologies

6. Ability to sell ideas/library services

Specific technical competency needs can vary among 

The following competency recommendation are based the assigned class reading by Neal, D. entitled, “The Library School's Role in Preparing New Librarians for Working with Technology”.

The ALA (2005) drafted a "Statement of Core Competencies" outlining skills needed for an entry-level, nonspecialized librarian. Section 5 (ALA, 2005), "Technological Knowledge,”:

•         Demonstrates a comprehension 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

•         Has basic knowledge of the concepts and processes related to the assessment and evaluation of the specifications, economic impact, and efficacy of technology-based products and services

·         Understands and can apply the principles of techniques used to continuously track and analyze emerging technologies to recognize relevant innovations

•         Demonstrates proficiency in the use of standard information and communication technology and tools consistent with prevailing service norms and professional applications

According to the ALA Government Documents Round Table (accessed 2007) the following "E-Competencies" are recommended:

•         competencies for all government depository librarians that includes basic knowledge of the major: computer parts

•         use Windows

•         Web browsers

•         e-mail

•         online catalogs

•         and URLs

•         The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) (2003) "Professional Competencies for Reference and User Services Librarians" document recommends that reference librarians should

•          Incorporate new technologies on a daily basis and continue learning about technology through computer-based education.  

•         RUSA also recommends that reference librarians understand

•         “information system usability” this will enable them to knowledgably communicate about system usability and related issues to other professionals in the field.

"Young Adults Deserve the Best: Competencies for Librarians Serving Youth," by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) (2003), recommends other areas of technological competency for youth librarians: 

•         Librarians need to include emerging technologies as a format in their collection development efforts.

•         Web page links should be provided to patrons as a method of increasing information access.

•         Youth librarians must "develop and use effective measures to manage Internet and other electronic resources that provide young adults with equal access" (YALSA, 2003, Area VI).

•         Literacy skills in the context of electronic information.

The Association for Library Service to Children (1999), in "Competencies for Librarians Serving Children in Public Libraries,” recommended the following technological competenices:

•         Librarians should have to ability to create electronic documents for administrative purposes or for the benefit of the children they serve

•          The Association for Library Service to Children's also recommends that librarians be able to make electronic documents available to children as part of the collection

•         According  to a Sci/Tech Library Management Discussion group at the 2003 ALA Annual Meeting  and their discussion of "The Top Ten Things a New Sci/Tech Librarian Should Know: Developing Core Competencies,"  it was decided that some technology competency, such as Web publishing skills" (Mitchell, 2004, section 1) are needed.

 In the Special Libraries Association (SLA "Competencies for Information Professionals of the 21st Century" (Special Libraries Association, 2003) the increasing need:

•         “for special librarians to keep up with and implement new technologies”

•         as well as use "expertise in databases

•         indexing, metadata

•         information retrieval analysis 

•         synthesis to improve information retrieval and use in the organization" (SLA, 2003, section D),and

•         maintaining “users' confidentiality”

The ''ARLIS/NA Core Competencies for Art Information Professionals," from the Art Libraries Society of North America (2003), recommends that ‘"Art Information Professionals have a broad understanding of information technology and are skilled in the implementation and utilization of technological tools, regardless of specific format, medium or method of delivery"’ (Art Libraries Society of North America, 2003, section 13), this should be demonstrated by:

·         A comprehension of computer and network functions

·         Maintaining an awareness of technology trends

·         Coping skills for technological change

·         The ability to select and applying technologies

·         The possession of appropriate skills to handle digital images

•         The ARLIS/NA also recommends that, "Art Information Professionals help shape information technology products" (Art Libraries Society of North America, 2003, section 14) through the application and incorporation of “various modes of collaboration with users and vendors”.

•         The American Association of Law Libraries' (2001) "Competencies of Law Librarianship" recommends “information technology as one of its specialized competencies.”

AALL also recommends that law librarians:

·         Should be able to work with digital information using various computer applications

·         Law librarians should be able to plan, evaluate, and implement new technologies

·         Law librarians should be able to teach others how to use the library's information systems

·         Law librarians should be able to troubleshoot technology problems

·         Law librarians should be able to manage the library's Web site

·         "Health Information Science Knowledge and Skills," from the Medical Library

Association (MLA) (2007), recommends that science librarians ". . . be able to understand and use technology and systems to manage all forms of information" (MLA,

2007, section 5).

The MLA also recommends that medical librarians understand the basics of:

·         Hardware

·         Software

·         Networking

·         Databases

·         Information system design

·         Purchasing and evaluation of information systems, and

·         Technology planning

The Music Library Association's "Core Competencies and Music Librarians"

(Hunter, 2002) recommends that, music librarians should be:

·         equipped to work with digitization as part of collection development

·         improve integrated library systems as they relate to collection organization

·         and ‘promote the effective use of all technologies’ (Hunter, 2002, section 4) in fulfillment of the music librarian's teaching role

·         Additionally, the Music Library Association has also made recommendations that pertain to the competencies required by librarians in relation to audio technology.

·         The California Library Association's "Technology Core Competencies for

California Library Workers" (California Library Association [CLA], 2005) recommends library staff know, ‘“basic computer terminology and be able to use and troubleshoot computer hardware.”’

Additionally, the CLA recommends librarians have technological competency in:

·         word processing software

·         Web browsers

·         e-mail, 

·         computer operating system functions,

·         computer security issues, and

·         the library's online resources

·         The CLA also recommends advanced competency in technology for "’Reference, Instructional, and Management Staff.’"

The Colorado Department of Education's (1999) "Colorado Technology Competency Guidelines for Classroom Teachers and School Library Media Specialists” recommends the following competency skills for librarians:

·         computer use

·         maintenance and troubleshooting,

·         word processing

·         spreadsheets

·         databases

·         networking

·         telecommunications,

·         media use (DVDs, video output setup, scanners, etc.), and

·         outlines skills teachers must employ to integrate technology into the curriculum

The State Library of North Carolina (2007) recommends technical competencies by level in their ‘”Technology Competencies for Libraries in North Carolina”’:

Level I outlines competencies for all library staff:

·         basic computer terminology

·         computer hardware knowledge and troubleshooting

·         computer security,

·         and e-mail use

Level II states that public services staff should possess skills in areas such as:

·         Internet use and online searching

·         office productivity software

·         public access software, and

·         circulation software

Level III competencies recommended are:

·         Web page creation

·         audiovisual equipment operation

·         virtual reference, and

·         configuration and network set up

Practicum site supervisors for MLS students in the School of Library and Information Studies at Texas Woman's University recommend the following technological competencies for librarians:

• Parts of a computer and their function (CPU, hard drive, RAM)

• Computer operating systems (Microsoft Windows, Mac OS)

• Office productivity software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Basic PC troubleshooting (determining why the printer won't print, why a computer locked up, etc.)

• Digitizing/scanning of printed resources

• Electronic database searching (e.g., using complex Boolean searches in EBSCO databases)

• Blogs

• Wikis

• Evaluating Web sites for validity, authority, etc.

• Creating online information literacy tutorials

• Digital cameras

• USB drives

• Library technology planning

• Request for proposal (RFP) writing for purchasing technology products

Tennant (1998: 102) recommends several soft skills for a digital librarian position:

• The capacity to learn constantly and quickly

• Flexibility

• An innate skepticism

• A propensity to take risks

• An abiding public service perspective

• An appreciation of what others bring to the effort and an ability to work with them effectively

• Skill at enabling and fostering change

• The capacity and desire to work independently

Meredith Farkas (2006) wrote "Skills for the 21st Century Librarian” in which she recommended that librarians possess the following technological competencies:

• Ability to embrace change

• Comfort in the online medium

• Ability to troubleshoot new technologies

• Ability to easily learn new technologies

• Ability to keep up with new ideas in technology and librarianship (enthusiasm for learning)

In addition, Farkas (2006) recommended advance technological knowledge in the following "soft skills" area (section 2):

• Project management skills

• Ability to question and evaluate library services

• Ability to evaluate the needs of all stakeholders

• Vision to translate traditional library services into the online medium

• Critical of technologies and ability to compare technologies

• Ability to sell ideas and library services

Various MLIS programs across the country reinforce the recommendations of America’s library associations through the provision of required information science courses in their curriculum for graduation.

Works Cited

Thompson, S. M. (Year of publication). History and Overview of Technology Competencies In Libraries. In A. Editor & B. Editor (Eds.), Core Technology Competencies of Libarians and Library Staff (Pages of chapter). Location: Publisher.

Neal, D. (Year of Publication). The Library School's Role in Preparing New Librarians for Working with Technology. In A. Editor & B. Editor (Eds.) Core Technology Competencies of Libarians and Library Staff (Pages of chapter) Location: Publisher.

*Year of Publication, editor,  pages of chapter, and publisher information not available.