Delivering the message. Disseminating information and professional development in the field of librarianship through technology

Date20 March 2017
Pages81-91
Published date20 March 2017
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-04-2016-0039
AuthorHeather Michele Moorefield-Lang
Subject MatterLibrary & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information user studies,Metadata,Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet
Delivering the message
Disseminating information and professional
development in the field of librarianship
through technology
Heather Michele Moorefield-Lang
School of Library and Information Science,
University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of podcasts, online radio broadcasts, YouTube
channels, and other technology medium to deliver information and professional development to peers in the
field and professionals in librarianship.
Design/methodology/approach This paper explores five case studies of librarians and library
professionals who have created online programs specifically geared to the field using technologies such as
podcasting, YouTube channels, Twitter Chats, and Google Hangouts. The case studies include librarians in
the public, academic, and school settings as well as one professional from The American Library Association.
Interviews via Google Hangouts took place to gather information for each narrative. NVivo 10 qualitative
data analysis software was used to pull out themes and commonalities among narratives. Some examples
include, intended audience, program focus, platform topics, technology, and challenges.
Findings Face-to-face delivery of information and professional development can be difficult with librarians
and professionals located across the USA and the world. These five interviewees share new opportunities and
examples in the delivery of training and information in the field of librarianship without ever needing to leave
an office or desk.
Originality/value Podcasting in librarianship is a topic of modest popularity but it is typicallyused with
students and at the academic library level where the topics of podcasts and libraries are addressed. The topics
of podcasts, online radio broadcasts, and other technologies in librarian peer-to-peer instruction and
professional development are uncharted territory in the field of scholarly research. This piece opens research
to multiple opportunities in both practice and scholarship in how technology can aid in professional
development and information delivery to peers and practitioners in the field.
Keywords Libraries, Technology, Qualitative research, Professional development, Podcasts, Cast Studies
Paper type Case study
Introduction
In the field of librarianship, knowing the field and continuously staying up-to-date is vital.
To remain current means seeking out ever-changing trends and programs while
concurrently maintaining a balance of traditions (Shamchuk, 2015). Finding opportunities in
professional development and new information is always a challenge. Is the training on
campus or in house? Can it be found at a local university, college, or in the city of current
residence? Is there a cost to the professional development or information sought?
Through the process of pursuing training and development opportunities, professionals
in the field have come upon a significant idea. While visiting conferences, seeking advice,
and attending workshops, a selection of librarians and other specialists have asked; if the
information and professional development is not available, can I become a provider? If I am
able to offer training, information, and learning opportunities, in what format should I
provide these selections?
With the introduction of technology mediums such as podcasting, online broadcasting,
unified communication services such as Google Hangouts, and microblogging tools like
Twitter, delivery methods for information and professional development continue to
change. Podcasts are digital audio files that can be found and downloaded on the internet
(Thomas, 2016). Online broadcasting is live streaming radio or audio programs focusing on
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 35 No. 1, 2017
pp. 81-91
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-04-2016-0039
Received 8 April 2016
Revised 29 August 2016
Accepted 4 September 2016
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
81
Delivering the
message

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT