You Know It's Not the Same As It Was

Before taking LIS 724 Integrating Technology into Programming, Services, and Instruction, I thought I had a pretty solid relationship with using technology in my career. I use it for accessing library materials and resources, checking out library materials, and for schoolwork. However, I have learned many ways where I can integrate technology in my workplace to make my job easier for me, and to benefit patrons that I assist. Each week, I felt like I was expanding my repertoire of skills and knowledge. Now it's time to put them to use! 

The Take Away

One thing I genuinely loved being introduced to the tool Wakelet. I have used a Word document to keep track of online resources that I come across or am referred to. It easily gets jumbled, with no real organization. I want to start transferring some of these resources onto Wakelet so that they are easily identifiable and more organized. I really just love having everything in the same place. Additionally, searching other people's collections can help me acquire more information for topics that I am unfamiliar in. As I start to use new technologies that are being introduced into library programming like 3-D printing, vinyl cutting, and video game systems, I can search for curated collections for helpful resources. 

I also found expanding my Professional Learning Network important. It had been a goal of mine to connect more with library professionals, but it really did take this assignment to put that plan into fruition. I was nervous to engage in a Twitter slow chat, but I found one that matched well for me. I got to share my thoughts with others, meet and follow some new people, and get book recommendations. I definitely want to continue to participate in slow chats, and use Twitter and other social media websites for professional reasons.

Lastly, I found exploring accessibility in technology one of the most applicable modules for me. The public library tends to bring in an older crowd, who need help accessing information. Seeing all the technology tools that can be of assistance for them was awesome. Now that I am aware that these tools exist (and in such amount), I will be using them during reference questions.    

Image Source: Giphy

 

Me As A Gif 

When this course started, I chose a Jennifer Coolidge gif to represent how I felt about going on this technology learning journey. I feel like the gif is representative of how I still feel 8 weeks later. It's exciting to learn new technology tools and try to see how it can be useful for me. Instead of sticking to "what I know", it will be a new (but exciting) challenge to see how I can implement some of what I have learned into my programming. 

I also want to take a moment to celebrate completing my MLIS summer course. Time for a nice vacation. Wee-Hee!  



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