Discussion Question
- What is the impact of information technology/digital revolution on information centers and information professionals?
THREE (3) articles from the reading list
Breeding, M. (2010). Architecting new library frameworks.Computers in Libraries, 30(8), 32-34.
Cyrus, J., & Baggett, M. (2012). Mobile technology: Implications for privacy and librarianship.The Reference Librarian, 53(3), 284-295. doi:10.1080/02763877.2012.678765
Halbert, M. (2010). The information commons: A platform for innovation.Journal of Library
Administration,50(1), 67-74.doi: 10.1080/01930820903422107
SAMPLE ANSWER:
“As asserted by Halbert (2010), “…technological change has been the largest single driver of change in libraries as well as society as a whole” (p. 71). It would be difficult to argue with this assessment, as print resources make way for e-resources, audio books recorded on CD collect dust in favor of downloads and streaming, encyclopedic tomes are replaced by ready reference Wikipedia searches, and public computer terminals are a high patron demand. Libraries must carefully and thoughtfully respond to the increase in technology and technological resources sought after by patrons. Informational professionals have a duty to provide access to the most current resources available, while simultaneously acknowledging and respecting the foundations that library service has been built upon for generations. Adapting to rapid technological advances can be quite challenging for a profession that has “… a great store of inertia in their institutional traditions and practices, an inertia that resists dramatic breaks with the past” (Halbert, 2010, p. 68).
Breeding (2010) advocates for unifying library software applications in an effort to keep up with the increase of technological demands put upon libraries. “The transition of collections toward new media and formats has dramatically increased the complexity of the work that takes place in libraries and the technology needed to support that work” (p.34). Libraries are challenged to incorporate unified organizational structures that support transparency and efficiency in light of this increased digital demand for informational professionals and patrons alike.
The onslaught of emerging technologies brings with it not only the conundrum of how to incorporate these resources into traditional institutions, and adapting organizational systems at their foundations, but also presents an increasingly-complicated challenge of protecting users’ privacy rights. As online resources increase in volume and desirability, users are becoming more accustomed and/or more willing to share their personal information, despite the consequential erosion of their privacy. Historically, librarians’ responsibilities to protect users’ privacy fell largely within the library institution, namely patron records and usage; with the increase in technological demands, protecting users’ privacy rights now encompasses the larger realm of mobile devices and remote access to information. As stated by Cyrus and Baggett (2012), “… erosion of user privacy rarely starts within the library, and requires a proactive approach that addresses challenges to privacy and the highest levels…” (p. 287). Librarians, by necessity, are becoming privacy rights advocates.
Keeping up with the pace at which technology advances is becoming increasingly challenging for information professionals. Reconciling library traditions with modern demands, amending organizational structures, and advocating for patron privacy rights are three ways in which informational professionals are impacted by and must adapt to the digital revolution; the demands and responses within the field will continue to change and shift over time.”