Computer and Information Technology within LIS

Computer and Information Technology within LIS • Introduction • Expectations of the School • Distance Learning and IT • Resources available to support LIS

Computer technology is a mission critical tool -- We use technology to in our work, for professional development, and to offer more effective information services • We train others in the use of IT • We must have a sound foundation in order to be career-long learners about IT

But… computer and information technology is also more than a tool • Understanding IT is also content in LIS • LIS professionals: • Design information systems • Develop new applications • Create search engines • Design user interfaces • Understand markup languages to produce web content • Advance the use of new technologies in their organizations

Expectations of the School • “The School expects students coming into the program to have, or quickly acquire, a base level of computer competency…” • SLIS Bulletin

Examples would include knowledge and experience in the use of: • Microcomputer operating systems; • Understanding of file types and management • Networks; • Word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; • Email; • Internet use/web publishing

Note – • This is not an exclusive checklist. It is not meant to imply that some knowledge of each of these topics is all that will ultimately be required or that a lack of knowledge of one of these topics (such as spreadsheets or database systems) will be an immediate hindrance to curricular success. • It is meant simply to give an idea of our interpretation of common measures of “computer competence”

Distance learning/Internet delivery • Some Distance Learning LIS courses utilize the Internet and other technologies • Internet delivered courses require students have sufficient computer skills needed to avoid technology barriers to curricular success

Internet courses require: • An understanding of student responsibilities • A good Internet connection and comfort in making the connection work • Knowledgeable in the use of your computer • Familiarity with the BlackBoard course management system and needed supporting applications (RealAudio, email, etc.) • See the Distance Learning website

Suggestions for addressing computer competencies: • Start with a self assessment • Check out EVC training at UK • Seek out training opportunities at local libraries or community centers • LIS courses

Technology Courses in LIS • LIS636 Foundations of Information Technology. Introductory course, covers some of the base competencies and much more. It is a prereq for other technology courses • LIS637 Information Technology • LIS638 Internet Technologies and Information Services • LIS668 Information Systems Design

UK Computer accounts • Link Blue for UK accounts • Exchange mail • AD accounts (for BlackBoard) • Student web host (sweb) • Information Systems Help • UK download site OFFICE AVAILABLE!

Overview of important resources: • UK website • Registrar’s Office • UK Library System • SLIS website • Blackboard • SLIS Center for Applied Information Technology (CAIT) • SLIS listserv

UK Library System • Library home page • InfoCat • Full-text databases

SLIS Website: quick tour • Academics • Bulletin • CAIT • Class Schedules • Students • Facilities • Listserv

Questions and things to do • Check UK accounts • Test BlackBoard access • Questions?

Computer and Information Technology within LIS