Session 3: The best use of technology

Introduction

As a librarian, Information Technology (IT) will form a large part of your work and your library’s provision. This will typically include a Library Management System (LMS), a security system, Personal Computers (PCs) and other electronic devices, Wi-Fi, and various digital resources, databases and e-book platforms. It’s likely you will also manage a library area on your school’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) on which you can embed resources.

The growth in the accessibility of digital resources can be used to your library’s advantage to support learning and research. For example, a VLE can be accessed remotely and, therefore, helps support blended learning and provides for your students at their point of need. One significant example of this was during the COVID-19 pandemic when all teaching went online. Despite the significant struggles encountered by students and staff alike during this period, the availability of technology (although notably not for all) was a huge factor in allowing teaching to continue. Although your school will have a member of staff who is responsible for IT and who be able to help you install hardware and software, it will be useful if you are aware of innovative technological developments and how they can be used to help you get the most out of your library.

By the end of this session, you should be able to:

• show an awareness of LMSs and their many functions
• manage digital resources, negotiate discounts and arrange access for remote learning using referring URLs
• understand the advantages and challenges of using blogs and social media to promote libraries, literacy, and reading.