Emerging technology librarians

From HLWIKI Canada

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Introduction

What do emerging technology librarians do?

Emerging technologies librarians are increasingly necessary in libraries of all kinds due to information technologies and social media. The job title is in wider use in the United States than in Canada. A number of difficulties arise with the ETL title: the position itself still, being so new, lacks a concrete definition and continues to be refined and developed as it becomes more widely applied. At a recent ALA conference, LITA devoted an entire session to the issue of emerging technologies in libraries and attempted to define an ETL as a professional librarian whose “main role is to explore, evaluate, promote, and implement various emerging technologies”.

Required skills for emerging technologies positions

From a cursory evaluation of various position descriptions for ETLs, the following skills were mentioned as required:

as part of reference/instruction teams, ETLs provide technological know-how in public service environments
enthusiastic about technologies and exploring emerging technologies for use in library settings
explore, develop, promote, and assess innovative online tools including social networking and other services for library learners
create and implement online learning modules to support information literacy, reference and web-based library programs
knowledge of instructional design principles and the ability to teach in online and face-to-face environments
delivery innovative and adventurous services as technologies are evaluated and new ways are found to apply them
familiar with the range of social tools, such as IM, social networking, blogs, wikis, eLearning software, and open content
advanced skills in technologies, and web development skills such as PHP, Javascript, XML, and SQL
leadership skills in libraries regarding innovative, technology-based services
creating, promoting, and facilitating use of electronic resources and services
work effectively in a collaborative environment, take initiative, self-directed, and committed to innovation and creativity
an ability to talk about emerging technologies with others at all skill levels

ETLs are increasingly important as libraries struggle to stay current with and make sense of the sheer number of emerging technologies. There is a dire need for tech-savvy librarians who can identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies that can benefit librarians and users alike.

Other skills

http://www.hr.murdoch.edu.au/staff/recruit/statements/0152.pdf

Maintain awareness of emerging and evolving technologies and tools for library and information management, educational technology and higher education via research, professional literature, online resources, professional development activities and personal networking
Evaluate emerging technologies for library and information management and educational technology to determine relevance to library staff and campus community
work with IT to ensure consistency and conformity with the technical architecture of systems
Review and advise staff, students and campus community of the uses, likely impact and strategic value of relevant technologies, tools and practices
Initiate, design and provide effective training for staff, students and faculty via workshops, presentations, lectures, tutorials, one-on-one instruction, online tutorials and other methods
Initiate, design and coordinate experimental implementations of potential and emerging services using new technologies
Evaluate and advise of possible production-level projects using new technologies.