Evolving skills for emerging technologies: a collaborative approach

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the implementation of a skills development project aimed at increasing the technology competencies of participating librarians in Columbia University’s Science & Engineering Libraries, in response to changing instructional needs. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a DIY or Maker learning model gave librarians a perfect opportunity to experience learning new technology skills just as their users encounter them. Findings The authors conclude that this collaborative project methodology could potentially fit a large variety of different library environments, providing other institutions with an excellent opportunity to reassess and revamp staff skills, no matter their instructional focus. Originality/value The literature notes that previous library staff training models were largely devised for newly matriculated Library and Information Science graduates preparing to enter the workforce. Burgeoning technology developments require libraries to explore novel methods to expose staff to new technology skills; this case study applies the programmatic lens of the Maker Movement to a collaborative staff learning model.

“Tinkering is underrated”: librarians' use of single-board computers and microcontrollers outside of makerspaces

“…Purpur et al (2016) employed mobile makerspaces as a means of engaging and educating their library colleagues in makerspace technologies and techniques, to overcome potential feelings of intimidation or disconnect between these offerings and the libraries' mission. Brown et al (2017) present a case study on a successful collaborative staff learning model, based on principles and the ethos of the maker movement, designed to give librarians Librarians' use of single-board computers reskilling opportunities with the Raspberry Pi and Arduino. This work, and others, indicates a clear interest in deepening the relationship between librarianship and the work of making.…”

Factors fostering the success of IoT services in academic libraries: a study built to enhance the library performance

“…They have to think out of the box about how they can make optimum use of IoT technology for making the services, resources valuable for present and future perspectives (Kaushik, 2019). By training the library personnel (Brown et al , 2017) and implementing the IoT technologies in libraries, the gap between the rapidly changing technological environment and services offered by the academic libraries can be closed.…”

Service Blueprinting: A Method for Assessing Library Technologies within an Interconnected Service Ecosystem

“…Second, new technologies in the library require specialized training for both users and library employees. In order for a new technology service to be successful, both library employees and library users need to understand the purpose and benefit of the technology, and they must know how to use the service (Deissler et al 2015;Moorefield-Lang 2015;Brown et al 2017). In addition to training, new policies and rules must be implemented and communicated to patrons.…”