Tag: December

INF506 Module 4- OLJ Task 7: Embracing a Library 2.0 ethos

OLJ Task 7: Embracing a Library 2.0 ethos

Consider the services discussed by Laura Cole in relation to a library or information agency that you know (as an employee or user). Select four key points made by the speaker, and consider how these may be applied to a library or an organisation you are familiar with to help it embrace a Library 2.0 ethos. Write 300 – 400 words.

Word count: 443

In recent times, librarians have had to question the definition of their job role and have been referred to as ‘information specialists’ (Purcell, 2010), ‘gatekeepers of knowledge’ (Ciccone & Hounslow, 2019) and now ‘liberators’ and ‘active navigators’ (Cole, 2016). This change of defined role provides librarians with the chance to expand their knowledge base, develop skills and consider functional choices within the library space. Time and resources can be spent in new ways, rather than just sourcing, stocktaking and maintaining physical resources (Novonty, 2017).

Cole (2016) had some interesting points regarding library digitisation. While she maintained that there would always be those users who prefer paper books, she pointed out that ‘digital (technology) changes the way the patron interfaces with the library’ (Cole, 2016) and used examples of incarcerated juveniles or deployed military personnel able to access library books and articles on devices. This idea can be expanded on to include children and adults living and working in rural environments in outback Australia. By digitising collections, librarians are not disadvantaging those who cannot physically get to a library and removing time limitations, allowing access to information any time of day or night (Cole, 2016; Lee, 2013; Craver, 2002). In my own experience, I have established and promoted two particular digital library programs run through my school; the NSW DET Orbit program and a paid encyclopedia-esque subscription available to students via their school log-in, ensuring both are monitored and protected by the department security and guidelines.

Cole (2016) went on to explain that the digitisation of libraries can open up space that was previously claimed by physical collections, allowing for the development of learning hubs, social hubs and access points. Additionally, due to the variety and global availability of many sources, a collection can reach across multiple mediums, allowing more accessibility to various interests (Moroni, 2012). These spaces are already being developed into learning hubs for BYOD programs in schools (Adams, 2012) and ‘makerspaces’ (Dunford, 2016). Personally, I have begun to reduce the number of paper books in my school library and have set up multiple workstations in the resulting space while allowing for flexible seating and interactive learning. I intend to investigate makerspaces in the near future to determine the necessity and usefulness in my library.

Finally, I particularly liked the use of the Bibliotech emblem as an HQ code. It was eye-catching, identifiable, allowing for a cohesive look across the brand (Civitello, 2018) and very practical for digitally aware and conscious users. I would consider employing this in my school library, particularly for the older students in an effort to encourage them to access the library database and online content at home.

 

References

Adams, H. R. (2012). Bring your own device (BYOD) and equitable access to technology. School Library Monthly, 28(8), 25-26. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/1491084812?accountid=10344

Ciccone, A. & L. Hounslow (2019). Re-Envisioning the Role of Academic Librarians for the Digital Learning Environment: The Case of UniSA Online. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 16(1). Implementing online learning: Stories from the field, Article 11. Available at https://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol16/iss1/11

Cole, L. (2016). BiblioTech as the re-imagined public library: Where will it find you? Paper presented at: IFLA WLIC 2016- Columbus, OH- Connections. Collaboration. Community. in Session 213- Metropolitan Libraries.

Craver, K. W. (2002). Creating cyber libraries: an instructional guide for school library media specialists. Available from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/00330330310500775/full/html

Dunford, H. (2016). Makerspaces in libraries (Library technology essentials). The Australian Library Journal, 65(2), (132-133). DOI: 10.1080/00049670.1182160

Lee, M. (2013). Digital normalisation, school evolution and BYOT positioning in the school library. Retrieved from https://www.asla.org.au/resources/Documents/Website%20Documents/ACCESS/Access-Commentaries/access-27-4-commentary.pdf

Moroni, A. (2012). Weeding in a digital age. Library Journal, 137(15). Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/1189486012?accountid=10344

Purcell, M (2010). All librarians do is check out books, right? A look at the roles of a school media specialist. Library Media Connection, 29(3), 30-33. Available from https://www.abc-clio.com/LibrariesUnlimited.aspx

INF506 Module 3- OLJ Task 6: Virtual and augmented reality

OLJ Task 6: Virtual and augmented reality

After reading the articles above, write a post of 400 words that considers one advantage of the use of either virtual or augmented reality, and one disadvantage. Discuss in relation to a library or information organisation that you are familiar with.

 

Word count: 353

At the basis of AR/VR is the idea of creating an environment (Hannah, Huber & Matei, 2019) and allowing people to try or experience new things. In the library context, it is an opportunity for texts to come to life, allowing for better student and reader engagement, for example, Hannah et. Al. (2019) mention the book ‘Ready Player One’, a text about AR/VR that has been made into a film. The idea is already out there and has been for some time, it is now a matter of creating the adaptable technology at an affordable price and disseminating it across multiple platforms with ease.

AR/VR is a combination of books, film and music as well as an extension from there, particularly if participants can alter the environment with their own choices. This opens up the opportunity for countless possibilities in terms of teaching and learning, engagement, exploration, empathy and understanding (Hannah et. Al., 2019). Although there are doubts that AR/VR can completely replace the need for a face-to-face curriculum, there is a place for it in the primary and secondary curriculum, with high hopes for successful integration into higher learning (Hannah et. Al., 2019). Developing staff confience and competency in AR/VR would lead to engaging and interesting units in work in various KLAs with integrated technology that will, no doubt, be a relevant part of the students life soon after leaving school should technology continue down this path

One large disadvantage of AR is that users in libraries are reluctant or annoyed by having to download new or different software to their personal devices to utilise the AR programs and that libraries cannot share homegrown content easily because of technical barriers (Dan, 2019). The lack of immediate ease of use certainly impacts on the popularity of this creative device. However, phone applications like ‘Pokemon Go’ are the first step towards successfully implementing AR/VR into the mainstream population (Dan, 2019). If libraries can adapt and develop programs that allow AR/VR to be easily shareable and accessible, there are countless possibilities and opportunities for new worlds previously only on paper to be constructed and explored.

References

Dan, L. (2019). Create efficient, platform-neutral, web-based augmented reality content in the library. Code4Lib Journal(45). Retrieved from https://journal.code4lib.org/articles/14632

Hannah, M., Huber, S., & Matei, S. A. (2019). Collecting virtual and augmented reality in the twenty-first century library. Collection Management, 44(2-4), 277-295. doi:10.1080/01462679.2019.1587673

 

INF506 Module 3- OLJ Task 5: Social news sites

OLJ Task 5: Social news sites

Check out two of the social news sites listed above. How do these platforms help you improve the relevance of the articles recommended to you? How could these sites be used in a professional sense? What issues could you identify when using them? Write a post of 400 words in your OLJ.
Word count: 377

Reddit & Newsvine

My initial impression of Reddit was that it was very amateur-looking and disorganised with headlines like ‘Mechanics of Reddit, what’s the dumbest thing you’ve seen someone do to their vehicle?’. Additionally, the layout is very similar to a Facebook or Instagram feed, making it easily accessible to audiences and the joining of ‘communities’ quick and easy, but not something I would count on for current and accurate news. Then, I noticed the like scales on the left and I suppose that the most ‘liked’ story at that point in time gets pushed to the top, which explains the seemingly random order of articles. Additionally, I noticed the brackets to the right of each article, eg v.reddit.it, self.Ask.reddit, en.wikipedia.org, which, I have to assume give an idea as to who has published or contributed to the story. This would influence how legitimate I view the story. Part of the problem, however, is that sites like Reddit and Wikipedia are open to public editing and contribution, meaning people can post just about whatever they like in these forums. It is difficult to confirm the relevance and sincerity of each article without further investigation, however, sites like these could serve a purpose in businesses if you are investigating current trends, info grabs and determine whether or not your product/business/story is being shared and liked.

Newsvine, when I opened it was much more pleasing to look at with its clearly organised sections and, at first glance, I would not have known it was a ‘wiki’. Additionally, the viewer is immediately presented with a different content, most stories relating to politics in some way. It isn’t until you scroll down that you encounter pop culture news. Again, I would prefer to confirm the stories found on this site on my own, but I would consider it more reliable than Reddit simply because of its layout and choice of content. This site could be utilised in business to track political trends, however has little to do with current popular trends and does not, from what I can tell, accept contributions by the general public. I feel like this site would be more utilised by professional business people with an interest in politics and little time to read long, jargon-filled articles.