[Web4lib] Skillset for new librarians

[Emanuel, Jennifer E]

I'm going to second this.  I think LIS students should start library school with Office and basic operating system knowledge.  If they don't, they should not be there.

I'd definitely cover HTML/CSS, basic computer/software troubleshooting (including how to Google to find a solution/help), relational database theory, some basic programming just to understand how it works, and how to install things like wordpress/media wiki on a server.

Admittedly, I has been 8 years, but I can into library school wanting to expand my skillset, so I signed up for the intro to IT class, and was horribly disappointed. I'd be clear if it was a very basic (read: undergrad) class, or if it was something that would prepare you to be a systems librarian.  In my opinion, there aren't adequate classes in library school to prepare you to be a systems librarian.

//soapbox

Jenny


On Jan 3, 2011, at 5:26 PM, Roy Tennant wrote:

> Uh...does everyone realize this is 2011? If we're taking time to teach MS
> Office to masters students, then we may as well just pack it in right now.
> My kids aren't out of high school yet and they know as much Powerpoint,
> Word, etc. as they would need to know to be a librarian. Probably more,
> especially given Google Docs.
> 
> What they _would_ need, in my opinion, is a firm grounding in some of the
> other technologies mentioned. Things like XML and XSLT, HTML5 and CSS3,
> basic programming (NOT programming in BASIC!), etc. As for teaching "OPACs"
> and "databases," that sounds as almost as anachronistic as teaching MS
> Office.
> 
> I decided to go to library school in the early 80s. Even then it was
> apparent to me that computers would be essential to librarianship, and that
> therefore facility with computers would also be essential. I realize that
> someone who spends their time putting together story times for kids may not
> need to write software, but they still need to be proficient in various
> technologies that may make him the best children's librarian around.
> Roy
> 
> 
> On 1/3/11 1/3/11 € 2:08 PM, "Brian Gray" <mindspiral at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> I am one of several instructors for Kent State University School of Library
>> and Information Science course called: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR LIBRARY
>> AND INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS. It is designed to make sure all new SLIS
>> students have an overview of the technologies needed to complete their
>> degree and work in libraries. After the course, they should understand their
>> personal weaknesses and be able to select other workshops and classes to
>> fulfill their personal needs.
>> 
>> It covers Blackboard, basic computer terminology, file management,
>> networking issues, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, basic html, OPACs, databases,
>> searching skills, web 2.0 tools, etc.
>> 
>> Brian Gray
>> mindspiral at gmail.com
>> bcg8 at case.edu
>> 
>> 
>> On Mon, Jan 3, 2011 at 12:36 PM, Elizabeth Beers <brixton at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> Hello Web4Lib!
>>> 
>>> I'm preparing to teach a course entitled Introduction to Technology in LIS,
>>> and I'm looking for some input on what you consider critical tech skills
>>> for
>>> new librarians.  The course is intended to provide an overview of the sorts
>>> of tech systems and capabilities that librarians will be expected to have
>>> or
>>> interact with once leaving library school.  Some of these students will be
>>> taking this class because they want to work with library systems or
>>> electronic resources - others will be in much less techy roles but want to
>>> have some tech experience going into their jobs.
>>> 
>>> I'm interested in hearing what YOU think are the essential skills for new
>>> librarians - taken as broadly or narrowly as you'd like.  I really
>>> appreciate your opinions - and your time.
>>> 
>>> Elizabeth Beers
>>> Digital Services Assistant
>>> Kresge Business Administration Library
>>> Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Web4lib mailing list
>>> Web4lib at webjunction.org
>>> http://lists.webjunction.org/web4lib/
>>> 
>>> 
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> 
> 
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Jenny Emanuel
Digital Resources & Reference Librarian
University of Illinois
300 Library, MC-522
Urbana, IL 61801
emanuelj at illinois.edu
217-244-3770