May 31st, 2007
Addressing new kinds of literacy
I’m currently taking a four-week online workshop called “Library Technology 101″ and it’s been great so far. There are five broad categories covered: network infrastructure, library management systems, public access computer management systems, materials handling, and the library website (and web-based services). For me, it’s an attempt to better understand the technology issues faced by most libraries. I’m far from being a full-on tech geek, but that can’t stop me from trying to become one 
One of the statements made in our week 1 reading was of particular interest to me. My instructor writes:
Libraries are still providing many of the same services they’ve been providing for the last 100 years. Libraries provide reference service and research assistance, help people find good books to read, teach people to read, and generally improve people’s ability to participate in the world around them. Libraries encourage children to love books and storytelling long before they can read their first word. Libraries also provide a repository for valuable information about local history and serve as community gathering places.
The functional description of libraries hasn’t changed dramatically since 1871, when Boston Library began. However, in many ways the demands on libraries have increased. Libraries still teach people to read, but they also address other literacies, including information literacy, computer literacy, and Internet literacy. Being able to read was a critical skill for citizens striving to be part of our democracy. Now being able to read, use a computer, evaluate a diverse collection of information resources, and effectively navigate the Internet are all skills today’s citizens require.
From my experience helping people at the information desk, I’ve definitely seen how a lack of basic computer skills can make life difficult for someone. One example of this is when people come into the library because they need to complete an online job application. There are a lot of people out there who don’t have the basic technology competencies to fill out a basic application for employment at a place like Whole Foods.
This is why one of the things I’ve most enjoyed about my work this year has been the opportunities I’ve had to teach computer/Internet classes. It’s very satisfying to see someone become more competent with things like using email, finding and searching useful websites, and generally becoming more comfortable with technology. Each time I teach one of these classes I’m reminded of how difficult it must be for a novice to learn even seemingly simple things like using a mouse or navigating through a typical website. And the best part of the classes is interacting with the students. On the whole, the students I’ve had have been incredibly grateful to have these classes offered to them (for free!) and you can just see from the looks on their faces that they are so eager to learn something new.
But I think it’s also important not to limit technology classes to the beginner level. With our new blogging class and Flickr class, we’ve been trying to offer classes that would appeal to the intermediate level of technology users. On Saturday morning I’ll be teaching my second “Fun with Flickr” class at the library. The class is set up to introduce people to the world of storing, sorting, and sharing digital photos online. The first class was held two weeks ago and I think it was a success. The people who attended really seemed interested in learning how to share their photos with their family and friends. There were all sorts of questions, many dealing with privacy concerns, and the hands-on portion of the class was lots of fun since I asked people to bring their own photos to upload. There is a waiting list to get into Saturday’s class so it seems like a topic that people are interested in learning more about. I think there are a lot of people out there who have digital cameras (either purchased by them or given to them as gifts) but don’t know how to share photos online. In my eyes, this is just another part of teaching a new kind of literacy.
