Teaching Paraprofessionals the "Techy" Side of the Library

Teaching Paraprofessionals the “Techy” Side of the LibraryRita Van Duinen- Lead Instructor, Library and Information Technology Program - Central Carolina Community CollegeMike Crumpton– Asst Dean for Admin Services – The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

ChallengesCataloging evolutionMultiple resource typesStaff outsourcing of functionsCollapsing of full time positionsConvergence technologiesMaintaining and repairing equipmentSearch strategiesEmployer expectationsCommunication issuesUnlearning the pastLearning new competencies

Have times changed?Has the role of paraprofessionals begun to evolve differently?Do they need to re-look at their own world and the world around them differently?Have customers (readers/users) expectations changed significantly over the years?Is this a profession that many find difficult to cope with changing times and environment? Can libraries be made as an ideal place to work-despite the limitations? What is the role of technology in paraprofessional duties?

Library StaffProfessionalLibrariansInfo literacyLifelong learningResource evaluationUnderstand and convey social issuesAdministratorsProvide supervisionPromote visionAdvocate within larger organizationPara-ProfessionalTechniciansWebAVAssistantsCirculationPeriodicals/serialsClerksCollection AdministrativePublic service

Digital NativesNext generation of people who have grown up learning “differently”Conflicts with digital immigrants who did not grow up on “twitch speed” or everything being instantaneous Acceptance or avoidance of digital future?Adapting library services to meet digital native’s needs

What users want to knowIn no particular order:Library rulesWhere are people, places and thingsWhat you can do for themTechnology on the spotSeamless use of Internet features

ExamplesTechnology Word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programming skillsWeb navigation and design skillsDigitization, cameraFile management skillsVideoconferencingLocal network knowledgeStorage devices

What is Web 2.0?Library 2.0 is a loosely defined model for a modernized form of library service that reflects a transition within the library world in the way that services are delivered to users. The focus is on user-centered change and participation in the creation of content and community. [1] The concept of Library 2.0 borrows from that of Business 2.0 and Web 2.0 and follows some of the same underlying philosophies. This includes online services like the use of OPAC systems and an increased flow of information from the user back to the library.With Library 2.0, library services are constantly updated and reevaluated to best serve library users. Library 2.0 also attempts to harness the library user in the design and implementation of library services by encouraging feedback and participation. Proponents of this concept expect that the Library 2.0 model for service will ultimately replace traditional, one-directional service offerings that have characterized libraries for centuries.From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Web 2.0 classes9 week program23 Web 2.0 technologiesBased on program from PLCMC20 participantsManaged electronically thru blogs and emailCertificate for completion

Proactive Support StrategiesReviewing books and creating a book review cultureTracking global trends and technologies impacting the professionLearning and teaching foreign languagesExhibiting various allied areas of interest in the library like forms of art and culture Organizing classical film viewing Career counsellingEnhancing new media accessEncouraging school children to cultivate the habit of readingEngaging in a social cause and inspiring others to do the same

Basic knowledge of a personal computer Knowledge of file folder structure – how to save and retrieve documents (including how to organize) – how to navigate between folders – knowledge of network folders vs. local folders – how to add a network drive – how to add printers – difference between local printers vs. network printers – knowledge of how to delete items and empty trash – knowledge of different file formats & ability to recognize virus files

Internet knowledgeHow to search the web – what the internet is vs. what the world wide web is – good searching habits – knowledge of spyware and how it can disable a computer – how to use various browsers including IE, Firefox, Mozilla, Opera, Netscape and others – what a URL is – what the format of a URL is – knowledge of domain name structure – knowledge about pop-up blockers & how to disable them – idea of what can and cannot be found on the internet – what the notion of precision vs. recall is.

Software knowledgeMicrosoft Office products and other alternatives, anti-virus software, personal firewall software – ftp – telnet – HTML editors – basic ability to understand your operating system (os) – knowledge of what (os) you have on your computer – knowledge of how to figure out what (os) others have – ability to test & learn new software (librarians are often asked to troubleshoot any program installed on library computers), in depth knowledge of email software – understanding of POP3 vs. imap

Networking knowledgeWhat is the network? – what do you need to put a computer on a network? (network interface card & data cable) – wireless networks – how to connect to wireless on PCs with various operating systems & on a mac – how to determine if internet connectivity problems are network problems, computer problems or web site failures – what is an IP address? - some knowledge of the following concepts: DNS (internal & external), NAT (network address translation), VPN (virtual private network) – what is a proxy server & the basics of how it works

Hardware knowledgeFamiliarity with your cpu – understanding where your USB/Firewire port is – understanding of into where your mouse, keyboard & monitor & possibly barcode scanner plug- familiarity with laptops, tablets & PDAs – knowledge of mp3 players & iPods – familiarity with printers & how to troubleshoot printing problems – knowledge of thumb drives/flash drives – knowledge of projectors

Other Computer ConceptsAbility to troubleshoot basic computer problems – primary computer user is the first line of defense for their own computer – knowledge of how to reboot, soft and hard boots, and when to use them – ability to clearly articulate and define computer problems

Strategies for Keeping UpVisits – with other libraries, similar organizations, get to know latest in field, offer to collaborate or do practicumsVolunteer – for projects and committees in or out of the system to gain exposure to a broader perspectiveParticipate – join conversations, listservs, discussion groups or network at conferences to hear new ideasContribute – share you ideas and energy, don’t look for the reason not to

Support Organizationshttp://www.nclaonline.org/nclpa/what-nclpa

Would you have it any other way?

Library and Information TechnologyUnique features Supports staff development needs across state and nationTotally distance education, no seated classesWide variety of degrees and certificatesFlexible programs

Para-professional Credentials Library Support Staff Certification Program Competency SetsRequiredFoundations of Library ServicesCommunication and TeamworkTechnologyElectivesAccess ServicesAdult Readers Advisory ServicesCataloguing and ClassificationCollection Management Reference and Information ServicesSupervision and ManagementYouth Services

Staff DevelopmentStrategic PlanningOrganizational cultureNeeds assessmentTraining designDevelopment programsImportance of assessmentCareer managementSustainability

Giving good serviceRespecting UsersAcknowledgementEye contactFocusing your attentionFollowing the Golden RuleBeing a professionalWho you representSupporting your organization

If you enjoy working in a library setting and have an interest in technology, you should consider enrolling in the Library and Information Technology (LIT) program. The LIT program is suitable for persons seeking entry-level employment in either public or private libraries. The curriculum is also ideal for current paraprofessional and professional library employees who seek specialized training in new technologies.

SuggestionsBe NimbleBe adaptableKnow the valuesHave a planCommunicate Be visibleBe transparentBe positive

Teaching Paraprofessionals the "Techy" Side of the Library

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