New advanced eCourse for the low-tech librarian

CHICAGO — Offered by ALA Publishing in collaboration with the San Jose State University School of Information (SJSU iSchool), this new 12-week Advanced eCourse: Library Technology for the Low-Tech Librarian, beginning on June 1, 2015, is facilitated by Timothy J. Dickey.

In 12 weeks, professor and library technologist Timothy Dickey will take participants from being a tech novice to understanding the key concepts and most important issues surrounding technology in today’s library. The course is divided into three four-week modules, and in each one, Dickey will introduce you to a specific area of library technology, then delves deeper to teach the basics of how that key technology functions, how it applies to librarianship and how to evaluate the potential use of that technology in your institution.

The course will cover a broad spectrum of library technology that librarians work with every day, including:

• Integrated Library Systems (ILS)
• The Library Website
• Mobile “apps” and services
• E-books
• Cloud Computing
• Emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and embedded computing

We know that having a basic understanding of the concepts behind these technologies is vital, and this advanced eCourse will provide participants with the essential knowledge necessary to work in today’s tech-savvy environment and help build confidence in working with library technology at the same time. You don’t have to be a programmer or a computer scientist to be proficient in library technology and help your library make important decisions about how to use it.

Participants will:

• learn the history and current state of integrated library systems (ILS);
• gain an understanding of technology (hardware and cloud technologies) as well as industry standards and their importance in the field;
• evaluate the current and potential use for open-source systems, e-books and mobile applications in your library;
• evaluate the potential use of emerging technologies such as web services, linked data, and embedded computing devices for libraries;
• demonstrate an understanding of the underlying concepts and issues of library technology management.

Participants who complete this advanced eCourse will receive an SJSU iSchool/ALA Publishing Advanced Certificate of Completion. This certificate will affirm your status as having completed all the steps of an advanced eCourse on Library Technology for the Low-Tech Librarian and will provide proof of your participation that you can add to your resume.

The course will be delivered entirely online with coursework completed asynchronously. Within the week-by-week format, students will be able to work at their own pace and interact with Dickey and fellow students through emails and message boards without the constraints of attending a live session at a specific time. The Advanced eCourse: Library Technology for the Low-Tech Librarian begins on Monday, June 1, 2015.

For more information about the e-Course, including how to register, please visit the ALA Store.

Timothy J. Dickey is an acting public service librarian, experienced with all aspects of library technology, including emerging technologies. As a library science professor, his current repertoire of courses includes library automation, reference, cataloging, research methods and music librarianship for Drexel University, Kent State University, the University of Washington iSchool, and San Jose State University. Prior to that he assisted Dr. Lynn Connaway at the OCLC Office of Research with work in data mining, user studies and an IMLS grant project evaluating virtual reference services. He also has served as editor for the journal RLG DigiNews. He holds a Ph.D. from Duke University, and M.L.I.S. from Kent State University.

ALA Publishing provides all librarians a comprehensive, one-stop resource for dynamic print and digital materials and eLearning dedicated to professional development, improving library services, and the promotion of libraries, literacy, and reading.

The SJSU iSchool / ALA Publishing advanced e-courses offer in-depth, advanced training that take participants from introductory to high-level content in 12 short weeks. Award-winning  SJSU iSchool faculty members help participants dig deep into relevant course topics to provide applicable knowledge and skills that can transform their work. These asynchronous online courses are ideal for information professionals from around the world.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. Contact us at (800) 545-2433 ext. 3244 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.

The SJSU iSchool prepares individuals for professional careers in the information professions. Graduates work in diverse areas, such as information governance, user experience design, digital asset management, information architecture, electronic records management, and librarianship. The  SJSU iSchool offers several online educational programs, including a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, which is fully accredited by the American Library Association; a Master’s degree in Archives and Records Administration; and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Library and Information Science. All programs are delivered online, and the  SJSU iSchool is a recognized leader in online education. For more information about the school, please visit: http://ischool.sjsu.edu.