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.

It certainly is a very minimum set of competencies. The expectations for library staff in the year 2005 are a lot higher, which is reflected in the multitude of technical questions that get asked and answered here on our message boards.

Maybe we should start our own list. What would you add?

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 ....

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!!

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].

Brenda...et.al

The Ohio Library Council has developed a set of Core Library Competencies for public libraries...one of which is "Core Technology Competencies for all Staff"

I've included the URL to the pdf version...the technology section starts on page 30.

http://www.olc.org/pdf/core.pdf

Jay

Jay Burton, Head,
Professional Development Division
State Library of Ohio
Phone: 614.466.5511Email: jburton@sloma.state.oh.us
http://www.winslo.state.oh.us

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

The Ohio Library Council's Library Education Committee just completed and has issued a set of library competencies to assist libraries and trainers in knowing from whence to start when developing or sending for appropriate training.

Here's the link to check them out.
http://www.olc.org/pdf/core.pdf

Jay

Jay Burton
Head, Professional Development
State Library of Ohio
614-466-5511
jburton@sloma.state.oh.us

On a somewhat different note: I'm in the initial stages of revising job descriptions. I think it's time to add something like "demonstrable writing skills" to the requirements for those professional staff who work directly with the public.

It would seem necessary for people working with e-mail or who may find themselves called upon to participate in a library-centric blog.

I hope so in the case of our professional staff (we also have a few front-line paras). The one in adult services who does *not* have a writing background is the one who maintains our local wikipedia entries, so I think that's covered as well.

I should note that we have an internal conferencing space where, I think, I've found good writing from every professional who works with the public here.

Our new website *should* be up in August (fingers crossed). We're working with an English company to provide some custom coding and skins ... that will allow us to plug in various pieces as we need them.

I will be very interested to hear how your Drupal Intranet works for you. I like to see libraries adopting open source tools and I like to hear it straight about what works and what things are still a barrier to going with open source.


The WJ PAC competencies? The first two sections, which focus on the technology skills are within two weeks of availability online. I am just waiting for the pdf to go through the final stages in our publications department and then I will post it on our site. I'll blog about or announce on the home page (or both).

The third section, which address the competencies involved in managing the PAC programs, will be in print and online by ALA in June --at least that's the target. I'm working full steam this week to try to make that happen.

Thanks for asking! ;)

Wow, wonderful! Congrats to all at WJ involved!

Here's a link to core technology competencies that have been developed by the Library Education Committee at the Ohio Library Council...pretty good ones, even if I do say so myself.

http://www.olc.org/CoreCompetencies.asp

Jay Burton
State Library of Ohio