> For starters, I would say they need more than a smattering of the following:
> HTML/CSS
> JavaScript
> Relational Databases/SQL
> Some Scripting languages (Perl/PHP, etc)
Do all librarians need these skills? I'm not convinced that an IT
librarian and a reference librarian should receive the same training.
It's true that almost every librarian needs to use technology in some
format. However, the needs are different and thus I would think the
training also should be.
I feel it's dangerous to teach specific computer skills in an
undergrad or graduate level course. Most of my undergrad classes
focused on teaching the underlying concepts of computer science
instead of specific skills. One exception I can think of was my COBOL
class which I took mainly to get credits within a specific area. It
was one of the most worthless classes I've ever taken yet at one
point, COBOL was a very useful language to know. On the other hand,
my C++ course was useful but because it was designed to teach me the
general concepts associated with modern programming, not just the
specific language. I believe that library schools should ensure that
their students aren't petrified at the thought of technology.
However, I think students will get a better education if they learn
adaptabitily and how to self-learn as specific needs arrive.
Gem Stone-Logan
High Plains Library District
http://www.mylibrary.us/
Received on Sun Sep 21 2008 - 09:58:04 EDT