Evolving skills for emerging technologies: a collaborative approach
| Pages | 346-359 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-12-2016-0156 |
| Date | 18 September 2017 |
| Published date | 18 September 2017 |
| Author | Jennifer Brown,James Thomas Crocamo,Amanda Bielskas,Ellie Ransom,William B. Vanti,Krystie Wilfong |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information user studies,Metadata,Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet |
Evolving skills for
emerging technologies:
a collaborative approach
Jennifer Brown, James Thomas Crocamo, Amanda Bielskas,
Ellie Ransom, William B. Vanti and Krystie Wilfong
Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to discuss the implementation of a skills development project aimed
at increasing the technology competencies of participating librarians in Columbia University’s Science &
Engineering Libraries, in response to changing instructional needs.
Design/methodology/approach –Adopting a DIY or Maker learning model gave librarians a perfect
opportunity to experience learning new technology skills just as their users encounter them.
Findings –The authors conclude that this collaborative project methodology could potentially fit a large
variety of different library environments, providing other institutions with an excellent opportunity to
reassess and revamp staff skills, no matter their instructional focus.
Originality/value –The literature notes that previous library staff training models were largely devised for
newly matriculated Library and Information Science graduates preparing to enter the workforce. Burgeoning
technology developments require libraries to explore novel methods to expose staff to new technology skills;
this case study applies the programmatic lens of the Maker Movement to a collaborative staff learning model.
Keywords Professional development, Library technology, Staff development, Academic technologies,
Microcomputers, Technology training
Paper type Case study
Introduction
The Science & Engineering Division of Columbia University Libraries has undergone a
period of significant change that began in 2009 and still continues today. Over that time,
the division has evolved from a traditional department-based model consisting of eight
libraries (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geoscience, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and
Astronomy, and Psychology) located in buildings spread across campus to a more
consolidated structure. After multiple library closures and moves, the libraries’current
configuration now consists of three locations: a new Science & Engineering Library located
in the recently constructed Northwest Corner Building (an interdisciplinary science-focused
building that opened in 2011 and contains labs, classrooms, the library, and a cafe), and the
Geology and Mathematics Libraries (which still occupy their original locations).
The collections formerly located in the closed libraries were largely sent to ReCAP,
Columbia University Library’s offsite storage facility (shared with Princeton and New York
Public Library). However, a small portion of frequently circulated items was relocated to the
Science & Engineering Library. What had once been a professional staff of five subject
specialist librarians (i.e. Biology Librarian, Engineering Librarian, etc.) working
independently has been reimagined and organized along more consultative functional
roles that are less tied to subject expertise and employ a team-based approach (see the list
given below).
Columbia University Libraries, Science & Engineering Division professional staff:
•Director, Science and Engineering Division;
•Head of Collection Development;
•Collection Assessment and Analysis Librarian;
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 35 No. 3, 2017
pp. 346-359
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-12-2016-0156
Received 19 December 2016
Revised 26 April 2017
Accepted 27 April 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
346
LHT
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