Student Learning Outcome #6
Learning the different ways libraries utilize technology for effective information services was a challenge in that I had to flex my technology muscles in a new way. In the course of my degree I learned how to create instructional webcasts, which applications to use to create information for user groups, and more.
Learning to understand the best way to present information to users has been one of the many lessons I've taken away from earning my MLIS. Further artifacts below demonstrate how I've been able to fulfill this student learning outcome in different ways and through different formats.
- SLO #6: The student applies appropriate technology for effective information services.
Learning to understand the best way to present information to users has been one of the many lessons I've taken away from earning my MLIS. Further artifacts below demonstrate how I've been able to fulfill this student learning outcome in different ways and through different formats.
Google Scholar Instructional Video
The instructional video above demonstrates my ability to provide guidance on just one kind of database and its navigation features. Learning to produce instructional videos and screencasts will assist me in my career as I will provide these kinds of resources for students, faculty, and staff while working in an academic library. There are several databases and websites that require this kind of guidance for those unfamiliar with the resources provided, and I'll be able to confidently walk users through the platforms effectively by utilizing screencast technology like I have above. While I'm familiar with Screencast tools such as Jing, I used Snagit here due to Snagit's ability to convert files to .mp4 for an easy Youtube upload process.
Citation Information Infographic
As part of my role as Vice President of the Library and Information Studies Student Association, I created an infographic on citation information. Our department reported high stress levels in our students that led to citation errors, so we felt we needed to cover some statistics about the issue as well as provide information that is available to our students for when they may be feeling isolated or stressed.
This infographic demonstrates my ability to apply appropriate technology for effective information services because I analyzed the best way to provide this information and settled upon using Piktochart as an application to do so. By creating an infographic, I've addressed specific stats while also making a visual information resource that provides students with resources available to them. I also considered how this infographic might look on social media apps such as Instagram, and purposefully segmented it to make sure it would fit the photo measurements. It also helps to make the information easier to digest for users. This will assist me in the future with my career as I will most likely have to make an infographic from time to time, possible about library usage. Learning more about free, online resources such as Piktochart and Canva will assist in making information resources more attractive across media formats, such as flyers, social media posts, and more. It will gain more buy-in and interest from library users due to the ease in which it takes to read, which will definitely assist me in my future as a librarian who hopes to engage students, faculty, and staff to use the library's resources more. |
Website Via Dreamweaver
While there are platforms that easily host websites now, just like the one I use here, I made it a point to become more familiar with how websites are created while earning my MLIS. I took it upon myself to become more familiar with HTML coding and cascading style sheets (CSS) to understand how to create a website, as well as play with the HTML coding in my own host site if necessary. I created a mock website using Adobe Dreamweaver in order to accomplish this goal. This website, while a rough rendering, again demonstrates my ability to provide information services through appropriate technology. The site is a mock site for a review site of young adult literature. A website is the appropriate format, as librarians, teachers, and readers alike could access the reviews that would appear on the site to learn more about upcoming books in the young adult category. The site also takes into account who would be viewing the information provided, and
therefore has a color scheme to reflect the target audiences. Brighter colors are used to engage users ages 12 years old and up, but don't utilize too many primary colors to avoid coming off as too juvenile.
Learning more about HTML coding and Adobe Dreamweaver will assist me in the future because it has shaken off any anxiety I had about website development and content management. I will be much more comfortable in the future if website management is a requirement for a potential position than if I hadn't learned how Dreamweaver worked. It could also translate into helping me to relate with any information technology associates I may have to work with in the future and could provide me with insights needed to collaborate with these individuals. |