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.
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