Tech Competencies for the 21st-Century Librarian

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Tech Competencies for the 21st-Century Librarian

• Starr Hoffman
• Librarian for Digital Collections
• University of North Texas Libraries

San Antonio Public Libraries Staff Development
Day 10.08.2007
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The "How" Before the "What"

• "Oh, I don't know how to do that.
• Youre saying, "I don't think that I can learn
  this."
• Strategy for improving your tech skills
• The mantra
• Just try it. Make time.
• One of our strengths as librarians
• our love of learning.

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The "How" Before the "What"

• "Oh, I don't know how to do that.
• Youre saying, "I don't think that I can learn
  this."
• Strategy for improving your tech skills
• The mantra
• Just try it. Make time.
• One of our strengths as librarians
• our love of learning.

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1.) Operating System File Management Skills

• Learn
• the basics of MS Windows
• to navigate to your files
• Windows Explorer or My Computer icon
• the "search for files and folders" feature
• to logically organize your files with folders
• to right-click (and other shortcuts)
• Ways to learn it
• Utilize your IT Dept. or a techie friend
• request a short training session
• http//help.cnet.com/9606-12576_39-0.html?taguser
  tag-shortcutkwshortcut

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2.) Email and Calendar Management

• Learn how to
• set up spam filters
• send and open email attachments
• set up categorized folders for messages
• archive your email messages
• send and schedule appointments
• share and view other calendars
• Ways to learn it
• search for the name of your email client and
  tutorial online
• free Microsoft tutorials
• http//office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/

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3.) Office Software Skills

• Learn how to
• use word processing software
• use spreadsheets
• give electronic presentations
• go beyond the basics
• use shortcuts and tips
• become a power user
• Ways to learn it
• tips tricks
• http//help.cnet.com/microsoft-office-learning/
• http//thenewpaperclip.com/

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4.) Internet Skills

• Learn how to
• perform sophisticated searches
• in databases and in search engines
• teach patrons basic internet skills
• how to create email accounts
• how to perform searches
• be familiar with a variety of informative
  websites
• Ways to learn it
• Search Engine Watchs Web Searching Tips
• http//searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?pagefa
  cts

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5.) Basic Tech Troubleshooting

• Learn
• soft vs. hard re-start
• teach patrons how to use your librarys Wi-Fi
• when you can fix it, and when to call tech
  support
• Ways to learn it
• approach your IT Department manager
• request a short training session for library staff

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6.) Media Storage Devices

• Learn how to
• use USB flash devices
• copy files to a CD / DVD (burn it)
• distinguish between optical disk types
• CD, CD-R, C-RW, DVD, DVD/-R
• Ways to learn it
• CD-R FAQ
• http//www.cdrfaq.org/faq01.htmlS1-1
• How to Burn a CD
• http//www.worldstart.com/tips/file-management/how
  to-burn-a-cd.htm
• Optical disk types
• http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_media_preserv
  ation

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7.) Downloading Installing Software

• Learn how to
• download software and updates
• install software
• from CD, DVD, or previously downloaded
• Ways to learn it
• Step-by-step (downloading)
• http//www.learnthenet.com/English/html/93down.htm
  
• Tips for safe downloads
• http//cybercoyote.org/internet/download.shtml

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8.) Scanning Faxing

• Learn how to
• scan documents and/or images
• attach those files to an email
• fax documents
• from fax machine or PC
• Ways to learn it
• Scanning Basics 101
• http//www.scantips.com/
• Faxing (in Windows XP)
• http//support.microsoft.com/kb/306657

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9.) Digital Cameras Basic Photo Editing

• Learn how to
• take digital photos
• upload those image files to your computer
• crop, resize, and rotate images
• print images in various sizes
• upload images to a website (or a service like
  Flickr)
• more about Flickr Learning Using Library 2.0
  presentation
• Ways to learn it
• CNET digital photography guides
• http//help.cnet.com/digital-photography-learning/
  
• About.com guides
• http//photography.about.com/

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10.) Basic Library 2.0 Skills

• Learn the basics
• blogs RSS
• wikis
• social networking
• IM (instant messaging)
• bookmarking
• photo/video sharing
• Ways to learn it
• Learning Using Library 2.0 presentation
• See linked resources on my website
• http//geekyartistlibrarian.pbwiki.com

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So, How Will You Learn It?

• Just try it. Make time.

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Want More?

• My Wiki
• http//geekyartistlibrarian.pbwiki.com
• Links to
• Resources for learning Library 2.0
• Todays presentations
• Todays handouts
• Contact Me!
• Starr.Hoffman_at_unt.edu
• http//geekyartistlibrarian.blogspot.com