[Web4lib] Skillset for new librarians

[Paul Butler (pbutler3)]

These are a few topic areas that might be helpful – though the usefulness certainly depends on other available courses, the average technology level of students, number of classes, etc.  

While they should certainly know about blogging, WordPress, CMS, etc, they should also have exposure to the fundamentals of html/css...such as how to form a proper link, what css is, etc.  I had to help two new librarians with this type stuff a few weeks ago. 

XML - what it is, what it can do for you.  (Ties in well with metadata.) 

A taste of programming would be nice....maybe not COBOL, but an intro to Python or JavaScript. Tied into the html section, showing them how to parse a URL with variables is a useful skill.

An idea of what a network is would be good, maybe with network printing and file storage as an emphasis as this is something they will likely encounter anywhere they go.  

Metadata - what it is, with exposure to Dublin Core at least. 

File types - major ones they will encounter, converting, how to find info about them.  

Some specifics technologies/programs, like EZProxy, ILLiad, MarcEdit, a few of the major ILS, and digital/institutional repositories.  As a recent graduate, I found that working with specific programs that I could mention during the interview was really helpful.  

Cheers, Paul

************************
Paul R Butler
Assistant Systems Librarian
Simpson Library
University of Mary Washington
1801 College Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540.654.1756
________________________________________
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org [web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Beers [brixton at gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 12:36 PM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Web4lib] Skillset for new librarians

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
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