Popular Posts Gadget

Hi all!
I've added a gadget to this blog that lets us view our most popular posts on the right side of the page. I hope that this will encourage readers to view more of our posts, and increase the general number of viewers all our posts get!

Added a Gadget

Hello Readers,

I've added a new gadget to the blog.  The gadget I added is "Search this Blog."  This will help you search our past posts and find ones on a specific or written by a specific contributor.
Pretty neat, right?

-Eva Parrill

New Gadget

My choice for an additional Gadget to add to our blog on Teaching Others to Use Technology was the Additional Links widget. I included links to the other blogs created by my fellow classmates in the LT 130 course in order to allow the user to enjoy additional content and blogs related to these topics. In searching for the links, I was able to view the other blogs and was surprised to see the great content, gadgets, and the wealth of information that was built in by my peers. I am sure that anyone who visits our blog would find this information useful as well and will be happy to have such a convenient way to navigate between the various pages. Additionally, I feel that this widget could be useful for other links as the blog grows larger, to highlight some of the key websites and blogs that would provide the best amount of information to our visitors.

I added the "Follower" gadget, so that people that follow the blog can also connect with other people who follow the blog.

Added a New Gadget

Hello Everyone!

I added the "Follow by Email" gadget. I add this gadget so that people who follow the blog will get updates through there email. That way they can stay in touch and never miss out. 😊😊😊

Cloud Computing in Libraries

Cloud computing is the latest in a trend of the ever-increasing presence of new technologies in libraries that support and evolve the processes and services that have made libraries a cornerstone of many schools and communities. While having more technology can make some processes more efficient and increases the appeal to the public, as these technologies become more advanced, requiring high-level skills to manage, libraries struggle to keep their support and IT departments evolving at a pace strong enough to meet the demands (Breeding).  Many libraries have begun to move away from having these types of systems and networks managed by their own Systems teams and IT Departments and outsourcing some of this more advanced work to third parties, allowing the library to focus its budgets on the application end of these new technologies.



Several different types of cloud computing exist but the main kinds that are being used in libraries include those focused on infrastructure, platforms, applications, and services (Goldner, p.5). Cloud services can be free services such as Google Drive and other cloud storages used for file organization but can also include more complex systems such as cloud-based library management systems like Alma from Ex Libris.  These types of changes give rise to new roles for IT professionals in the library and increase the efficiency of support services that often left smaller libraries in difficult situations.

References:

Breeding, Marshall. “Managing Tech and the Impact of Cloud Computing on Libraries.” Computers in Libraries, vol. 39, no. 2, Mar. 2019, pp. 9–11. EBSCOhost, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=135486413&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Goldner, Matt. “Winds of Change: Libraries and Cloud Computing.” Oclc.org, 2010, www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/events/2011/files/IFLA-winds-of-change-paper.pdf.

Gordon-Murnane, Laura. “How Are Libraries Using Cloud Computing?” 2018 Short Cuts - Computers in Libraries, 2018, https://cil.brightcovegallery.com/detail/videos/2018-short-cuts/video/5793396057001/how-are-libraries-using-cloud-computing?autoStart=true.

Makerspaces

Makerspaces are a relatively new trend in libraries but are bringing much-needed resources and skills training to individuals and groups that would otherwise not have the same access and experiences as those in more affluent communities.  Makerspaces can include a wide range of services, tools, and resources depending on the availability of funding, skilled staff or volunteers, and on the interests of the surrounding community. Unlike the arts and crafts and other creative projects for which libraries have been used for decades, the Makerspace movement seeks to use more advanced tools, technologies, and resources to teach skills that can apply to various aspects of a user’s career or life (Loertscher).

In a school library setting, Makerspaces can assist in the quality and depth of instruction for a variety of subjects and can give students hands-on experiences with projects that they might have otherwise only read about in books (Loertscher). Even at the college level, Makerspaces have begun to influence the way instruction and learning occur and give students the resources to take on higher level projects and create things that would have been limited to the realm of imagination without these tools. A prime example of a makerspace which has been configured to give students access to resources is the Creat’r Lab located in the Orbach Library at UCR. This lab has tools such as 3-D printers, sewing machines, crafting supplies, cutting machines, electronic components, and so much more that are made available to current students of UCR with no additional cost. Students often

References:

Loertscher, David V., et al. “Makerspaces in the School Library Learning Commons and the UTEC Maker Model.” Teacher Librarian, vol. 41, no. 2, Dec. 2013, pp. 48–51. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=92991119&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

“Research Guides: Creat'R Lab: Overview.” Overview - Creat'R Lab - Research Guides at University of California, Riverside Libraries, https://guides.lib.ucr.edu/c.php?g=645451&p=4523510.

Demise of the School Library

The incorporation of technology into the services and operation of libraries has expanded

the capabilities of these wondrous places to provide its visitors with a wealth of knowledge

and resources. Processes which previously took hours, such as research using the card

catalog, can now be done in a third of the time as library catalogs are made available online.

Unfortunately, the progress of technology is a double-edged sword. As information becomes

more available online, people have begun to view libraries as obsolete and have forsaken the

quiet space in the library for the immediacy of their personal computers and smartphones.

The same holds true for school libraries. Difficult decisions over funding have led

administrators to begin to view the school library as more of a luxury than a necessity. As

funding in schools and districts suffers from the effects of diminished economies and

political turmoil, so too do the services and resources in school libraries (Anderson, p.16).

*Weiss, Dale- TEACHING BUDGET CUTS TO THIRD GRADERS

One of the first parts of the library budget that a school district cuts, when faced with
challenges, is the staff. Librarians and media assistants, which handle the day to day

processes of the library such as teaching, circulation, processing, and cataloging, are

extremely important to the operation of school libraries, especially in smaller districts or

schools where most of the technical processes are done in house. The loss of staff can greatly

affect all of the connected schools and libraries and leave students without access to

materials or the library itself as one individual is assigned to cover multiple locations or

larger workloads (Anderson, p.17).  

References:

Anderson, Mary Alice. “What Happens When Media Positions Are Cut?” Library Media Connection, vol. 29, no. 6, May 2011, pp. 16–18. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=60938159&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

News, WHYY. “Delaware's Endangered Education Species -- the School Librarian.” YouTube, WHYY News, 30 June 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kJ2Lidg-Wo.

Weiss, Dale. “TEACHING BUDGET CUTS TO THIRD GRADERS.” Rethinking Schools, 2017, www.rethinkingschools.org/articles/teaching-budget-cuts-to-third-graders.

BYOD (Bring your own device)

Technology, for all of its uses,  has many obstacles for certain age groups and communities that may not have the same level of exposure or the same resources as others. Libraries, especially those which serve large populations of individuals that fit this description, have a rare opportunity to bring new patronage through their doors by providing services that teach individuals how to use their devices and tie in teaching for accessing library services and resources as well. One version of this type of service or program is the BYOD(Bring Your Own Device) Day, hosted by many local libraries in recent years. A benefit to having this type of event is that these types of training can allow library staff and volunteers to teach many people at once and reduce the amount of time that is spent on a regular basis helping patrons navigate new technologies. This, in turn, frees up staff to complete other projects and to assist visitors with services more directly related to the library and its collections (Kuzo, p.75). BYOD can also take on the form of employees and staff using personal devices such as cellphones and laptops to perform work duties. In the same way that teaching patrons to use their own devices can improve efficiency in their library use, allowing staff to use personal devices can cut down on training time, improve the efficiency of work, and increase morale (Bran, EdTech)

One significant obstacle to BYOD, however, is the question of whether the infrastructure and network capabilities of the library are able to to handle that many devices logged in during such a short period of time (Bran, EdTech). Most libraries are on tight budgets and the cost of updating or improving their systems is not something that they would be able to easily take on. A library without the proper network systems would place the burden of connectivity on the user, a burden which could weigh heavier on those whose purpose for going to the library is lack of resources such Unlimited 3G on their Smart devices and WiFi at home.

References: 

Bran, Livia. “Top 10 BYOD Concerns - and How to Overcome Them [Part 1].” EdTech Update, 12 Oct. 2016, www.edtechupdate.com/byod/libraries/?open-article-id=5673755&article-title=top-10-byod-concerns---and-how-to-overcome-them--part-1-&blog-domain=neolms.com&blog-title=neo-lms.

Kuzo, Joseph. “School Librarians: Key to Technology Integration.” Knowledge Quest, vol. 4, no. 1, Sept. 2015, pp. 74–76. EBSCOhost,  search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=109276635&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

The Demise of School Libraries

Are libraries redundant spaces in schools and universities?  Some administrators seem to think so, and instead of funding libraries, divert funding to other learning spaces and programs.  The building where I work houses not only the library, but also tutoring programs, a writing center, language lab, STEM center, staff work space, and evaluation program.  In order for each of these things to exist, space was taken away from library programs, faculty, and staff.  In some instances, there is no harm- when you have access to digital videos you no longer need the VHS tapes that the library previously housed and tended to.  However, it’s arguable that there is now less space for students to generally study and explore seemingly unrelated topics.

Adam Woods speculates that, for the data driven educational administrations of today, it is difficult to link libraries to assessment-oriented learning activities.  And without the data that proves the space and staff are improving outcomes, it can be difficult to justify maintaining funding. 

However, there is a certain value to having no specific outcome attached- libraries are a space where patrons can explore topics and knowledge and make connections that might not be made in a classroom setting, or a setting where the focus is a specific skill or knowledge base.  My hope is that, as educators push back against standardized testing and move towards a philosophy of education that is more equitable, the value of libraries will be re-realized. 

Wood, A. (2018, June 10). Disappearing School Libraries - Why? Architecture and Educator.

Makerspaces

Makerspaces are one of my favorite additions to any school or library.  The hands on learning is such and advantage to any facility.  What is a Makerspace? Makerspace for Education puts it better than anyone “Imagine DIY meets education!”’  A makerspace has materials ready to be used to ignite an imagination. Makerspace can have items people might normally recycle all the way up to computers and 3D printers.  It all depends on the facility and their budget. Luckily for many children it doesn’t take a lot to get their imagination flowing.  They can find ways to help their communities, their environment or even build a robot.  The sky is the limit!

References

“Makerspace.” Makerspace for Education, www.makerspaceforeducation.com/makerspace.html.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

To access the internet you used to need a computer.  If you were lucky enough to have one at home that was great and convenient.  If you had a lap top you were blessed. Now you can access the internet from you phone, tablet and even you watch!  Many middle and high schools provide laps tops for students to do school work and most college students don’t take note with paper and pen anymore. So naturally many work places have begun to allow employees to bring their own device to access company information and files or have proved them with phones or other devises to access company data on the go.  The Cloud is helping to make this possible without much risk for the company.

The Demise of School Libraries

The thought of declining libraries breaks my heart.  I know many people believe that they are inadequate and useless now but studies show otherwise. During a survey taken in the United States and the United Kingdom, when children were asked where they got the book they were reading now 30-99% mentioned some kind of library (Siu-Runyan, NCTE President).  Having easy access to a library is beneficial to all, young and old.  Its not just the books that are important, it also the people and services offered by a library.  Librarians and Library Staff guide unsure patrons.  Libraries often offer services based on their community; health care information, education information, community classes, etc.  For many without internet access at home, or who are unsure how to use the internet, these people and services are vital for information or even just to do homework. Hopefully we can do what is needed to protect and grow these resources.

References

Siu-Runyan, Yvonne. Public and School Libraries in Decline: When We Need Them. Sept. 2011, www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Journals/CC/0211-sep2011/CC0211Presidents.pdf.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

It’s no secret that technology has exploded over the past couple decades.  There are a wide variety of technological devices available. More often, patrons bring their own devices to the library. 

This can help the library’s bottom line, because they don’t have to purchase and maintain computer labs or computer terminals.  But it also comes with challenges, patrons still need help with technology, but they have a variety of devices, and library staff are often not familiar with all the devices.  What to do?

The old models of professional development (where employees  one-off workshops) are no longer satisfactory to keep library staff up-to-date on the knowledge and skills they need in their day-to-day job tasks. With online tools and informal in-person training, training should be continuous. 

One way for library staff to become more familiar with the multitudes of devices that patrons bring to the library is to have a “Device Petting Zoo” and visit electronic stores like Best Buy, Microsoft, and Apple in order to ask questions and become familiar with different versions of technology.  Some of these stores also offer free or low-cost classes that library staff can attend.

What other resources are available to help library staff help patrons who bring their own devices?

JOHNSON, D. (2013). Top Ten School Library Game Changers of the Past Twenty-Five Years. Teacher Librarian, 40(4), 28–31. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=87083318&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Koerber, J. (January 01, 2015). MANAGE THE DEVICE DELUGE Learn how to create an effective program to train staff to teach tech to the public in a time of rapid change and gadget proliferation. Library Journal, 140, 9, 28-28.