Chapter 8: Planning for Technology Training
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5860/ltr.43n2Abstract
Sarah Houghton-Jan, the author of the second issue of Library Technology Reports in 2007, tackles technology competencies for librarians in the Information Age. “A few years ago,” she notes, “I found myself wanting a work like this to exist. Because it did not, I figured I might as well consolidate all the information about library technology competencies in one place so that others could benefit from my hunting and gathering.”
In her report, Houghton-Jan provides useful technology-training practices, including:
“This work,” summarizes Houghton-Jan, “is an attempt to fill the gap in knowledge about documenting technology competencies with overall guiding principles, examples of successful projects, and project-management guidelines for those embarking upon such a project in their libraries.”
Sarah Houghton-Jan received her MLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MA in Irish Literature from Washington State University. A member of Beta Phi Mu, she has worked in libraries for a decade as a page, reference assistant, reference librarian, e-services librarian, technology trainer, and technology manager.
Sarah is currently the Information and Web Services Manager for the San Mateo County Library in Northern California. She also works as a consultant technology instructor for the Infopeople Project, serves on LITA's Top Technology Trends Committee, is a member of the California Library Association's Assembly, and the past President of CLA's Information Technology Section. In her time as the IT Section President, she led the task force that developed the Association's Technology Core Competencies for Library Workers, building on her previous experience creating competencies for individual libraries.
Sarah is also the author of the blog LibrarianInBlack.net.
References
A Krissof, L Konrad, '“Computer Training for Staff and Patrons”' Computers in Libraries 18 1 (1998): JanuarynIbid.nMarion Paris, '“Beyond Competencies: A Trendspotter's Guide to Library Education”' Information Outlook 3 no. 12 (1999): 31nGlen E. Holt, “Training, a Library Imperative” in Andy Barnett,
Libraries, Community, and Technology
(Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2002).nRachel Singer Gordon, Teaching the Internet in Libraries (Chicago: American Library Association 2001): 19-nFlorence Stone, Randi T Sachs, The High-Value Manager: Developing the Core Competencies Your Organization Demands (New York: AMACOM 1995): 53-4nLesley SJ Farmer, '“Teaching Veteran Librarians Technology,”' Library Talk 14 (2001): 8-9nPatricia Wallace, '“Hurtling through Cyberspace: Tackling Technology Training”' Computers in Libraries 19 2 (1999): 21nStephen Abram, “Very Cool Library Learning 2.0,” Stephen's Lighthouse, Aug. 4, 2006, http://stephenslighthouse.sirsi.com/archives/2006/08/very_cool_libra.htmlnHolt, “Training, a Library Imperative,” 80.nAbram, “Very Cool Library Learning 2.0.”nSarah Houghton-Jan, “IL 2006: Public Library 2.0: Emerging Technologies and Changing Roles,” LibrarianInBlack.net, October 23, 2006, http://librarianinblack.typepad.com/librarianinblack/2006/10/il_2006_public_htmln
