Technology Training and Libraries

Hi readers! This week (or last technically) I read an article from ‘Computers in Libraries vol. 31, no. 9, page 10, November 2011’. 

 This article, written by Irmilla Vengersammy under the title ‘Libraries Adding Value with Technology Training’, is about technology and how libraries should be (and are) providing patrons with classes and tutorials in this constantly evolving area.

, the author talks about the constant flow and evolution of technology in our everyday lives and how libraries could (and should) use this to our advantage by teaching these all important life skills to our patrons. This would benefit our library users and at the same time add value to our industry and help show how indispensable libraries are even now. Many libraries already have with the running of numerous classes to do with technology and the internet. One such service mentioned in the article is a job-seekers “course” which is run through the library (both in person and over the internet). This service teaches patrons how to write resumes and cover letters, offers mock interviews, and shows them how to search and apply for jobs via the internet. 

Before reading this article I never knew that these classes existed and I’m actually finding myself quite interested in pursuing this. I feel it is important to learn this kind of stuff and I had no idea that there were courses and tutorials being offered by libraries for free for…God knows how long! 

Why did no one tell me of this?!

A Look at the Different Kinds of Librarians

Hello again! This week I’ll be looking at a blog linked by one of my fellow students (Thank you for that, saved me a lot of time! XD). 

This blog post by Kerri Cicolani is entitled ‘Why do we need library technicians in our school libraries?’ and can be found here, http://hubinfo.wordpress.com/2010/05/11/why-do-we-need-library-technicians-in-our-school-libraries/. 

In this particular post the author talks, quite passionately, about her job as a library technician in a primary school setting and the differences between her position and that of a teacher librarian. The differences, she explains, are in their areas of expertise along with the knowledge and services each different kind of librarian can offer their patrons. For example, a library technician has experience with cataloging and web 2.0, while a teacher librarian has the skills and expertise in a school setting to be able to better help students with their curriculum work. Of course this isn’t all they do, this is just a small example of the differences in their day-to-day jobs. Cicolani also fervently shares her belief that in all school libraries it is important to have well trained staff, teacher librarians and library technicians both. 

I will admit that prior to reading this I didn’t really have that much of an idea for the differences between the many kinds of librarians. It was quite an enlightening read in that aspect and one I recommend to everyone!

Public Libraries, a Hope for the Future

Hi everyone! The Library Fox is back with another post! 

This week’s blog entry is about an article by Michelle McLean entitled ‘Public libraries now and always’. 

The blog can be found here, http://connectinglibrarian.com/2012/06/30/public-libraries-now-and-always/. 

In this blog post the author talks a little about her lifelong attachment to public libraries. McLean shares with us in this heartfelt article her love for public libraries and why, once she got into work in this sector, she never left (and doesn’t plan to!). 

I loved reading this blog entry! It really fills me with hope for the future. Not just the future of libraries but for my future in libraries. 

Doing this library course I have long pictured myself in a public library and reading a little about McLean’s experience working in libraries and her positive view on the industry (both the industry itself and her role in it) was really uplifting!

Libraries now? Libraries WOW!

Hi there everyone, sorry about the rather late entry. I was at work placement last week and thanks to being too tired to even look at my computer when I got home around 6pm I forgot. So this is last week’s entry! 

This week I took a look at a blog post by Edgar Crook (posted November 28^th, 2011) about a new library that had been built in the UK. In this blog he posts a peek at an article on a revolutionary new library in the UK. Following the link at the bottom of the page to the full article, which can be found here http://www.southwark.gov.uk/news/article/564/first_super_library_opens_in_london_as_southwark_council_looks_to_the_future (viewed 14/09/2021), I was amazed at what I found.

 

The article talks about a new library opened up in Southwark, London, which offers far more than just books. Costing more than 14 million pounds(!) the library gives its patrons more than 40,000 books, CDs and DVDs, a café, more than 79 computers and laptops with free Wi-Fi, a theatre space that is used for plays, performances and business meetings, areas where classes are conducted and even has its own train station under the library! 

Holy heck…Wow, just wow! Why don’t we have one of these?! This is an amazing look into what libraries are becoming and from some of the pictures I saw on the libraries website it is absolutely beautiful. I cannot express my amazement at this library. It definitely shows that libraries are changing at a remarkable rate into more than just reading spaces.