WebJunction

Brenda, this is too good a question to go unanswered for much longer, and today finally, the LibrarianInBlack came to the rescue with this report about [url http://librarianinblack.typepad.com/librarianinblack/2005/05/technology_core.html ]Technology Core Competencies for CA Library Workers[/url]. It is becoming all the more important to identify a base set of competencies as every aspect of librarianship gets technologized.

This is a start at least.

I think that Colorado is working on this. You might want to get in touch with Rose and she if she has a post for us on this one.

We're going to be working on competencies here in Kansas, too. I think we're going to start by focusing on technical support skills. If you are the "fix-it" person in your library or are looking for someone to be your "fix-it" person, what skills are needed?

To me, it's nice to focus on one area of library technology like this (as a starter).

Brenda

Another resource would be the Library Practitioner Core Competencies document assembled as part of the Continuum of Library Education project by the Western Council of State Libraries. Further details and links to the complete document are at http://www.westernco.org/continuum/final.html

I append below the "Technology" section in response to this discussion topic.

Tom Ladd, NH State Library


VI. Technology
A Library Practitioner is able to …….
A. Computers and Library Equipment
1. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer hardware and common software
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of business machines used in libraries (e.g., fax, photocopier)
B. Systems/Networking
1. Describe the parts of a computer network
2. Explain the difference between a LAN and a WAN
3. Use equipment such as cabling, routers, network cards, and wireless technology
C. Troubleshooting/Maintenance
1. Isolate and identify problems with hardware, software, and networks
2. Isolate and identify problems with basic library business equipment
3. Communicate problems effectively to support/repair person
4. Locate and use manuals, FAQs, and telephone and online help services to identify and solve problems
D. Security/Privacy
1. Use security tools and backup strategies
2. Articulate privacy and intellectual property issues that relate to library technology, including filtering software
E. Library Systems Automation
1. Articulate an overview of the various automated library systems available
2. Operate the various modules of the library’s automated system (OPAC, circulation, acquisition, cataloging, etc.)
3. Design and use reports from the automated system for management of library operations
4. Work with vendors to maintain current automated system and prepare to upgrade or replace when necessary
F. Internet
1. Articulate a basic understanding of the development and structure of the Internet
2. Articulate a basic understanding of the World Wide Web and web page structure
3. Use digital communication tools such as email, electronic discussion lists, and web conferencing
4. Participate in digital distance learning opportunities
5. Create, evaluate and implement a computer and internet usage policy for the library
G. Instruction
1. Teach basic computer and Internet use to customers
2. Teach the use of library equipment to customers
H. Technology and Communication Discount Programs
1. Explain e-rate and other technology discount programs

I'm glad to hear the PAC team at WJ will be studying competencies, and hope you'll include some type of printable certificate for successful users. An OCLC certification for technology competence in a support staff's personel folder? Excellent!

Marianne (or shall I say 'marianne'?) - you've been put through the ringer with this last install, haven't you? thanks for hanging in there with us (along with everyone else who experienced issues related to their mixed-case-sensitive loging!). We appreciate it!!

This is a slightly different take on technology competencies: "[url http://www.psychotherapist.com/JSmith/docs/jss_leadertechchecklist_Dec2004.pdf ]A Checklist for Leaders[/url]."

Author Jillaine Smith talks about the importance of the relationship of your director(s) to the use of technology in an organization. The checklist on page 2 assesses the level at which the executive branch is involved in technology adoption.

For example:
"How clear are you that your current or planned technology initiative advances the goals of your organization?"
Choices: "I have no idea; I have a vague idea; it's in writing somewhere; It's crystal clear to myself and my staff."

Worth a look ....

As Sarah Chesemore mentioned in an earlier post, WebJunction has begun the process of refining a list of technology core competencies for library workers, using many of the regional lists (mentioned in earlier posts) as sources.

As part of this process, we have updated WebJunction's article on relevant competency lists available on the web:

http://www.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=1066

If anyone knows of additional lists that we ought to be looking at as part of our MPAC project, please let us know so we can keep this article up-to-date!

Jeff Hall
WebJunction

Janie, thanks for sharing this information. I'm just now getting around to looking at your presentation. The competencies pathfinder at the end of the pdf is very helpful --a list of links to examples of other organizations' summaries of competencies.

Just a note: when I clicked the link to the California document, the file was not found because CLA has done a site redesign --isn't that a nuisance? Here's the new link to the [url http://www.cla-net.org/resources/articles/r_competencies.php ]Competencies for California Librarians in the 21st Century[/url].

ACRL provides links to tutorials to support the Information Literacy Standards for academic library users and librarians. Academic student tutorials are posted on Rochester Regional Library System, UCLA and Berkley's websites. One of the best search engine comparison pages is on the webpage: http://www.noodletools.com/debbie/literacies/information/5locate/adviceengine.html