I signed up for LIS 631 (Emerging Technological Trends in Information Access) for two reasons, the least important of which is because of that fact that this course fulfills an MLIS technology requirement. More importantly, I am increasingly aware of the crucial role that technology is playing in the world of information science and libraries.
Although by far my most challenging class of the semester, I have enjoyed the experiences I’ve had and the knowledge I have gained in LIS 631 so much that I have registered for LIS 643 (Metadata) for next semester. I am really looking forward to learning how to define and recognize different types and functions of metadata. I believe that taking LIS 643 next semester will be one surefire way to keep abreast of emerging technologies in information access. And, depending upon how that class goes, I may try to take one technology course per semester during the rest of my time in the program. I think that this will be a great way to stay current and involved with new and evolving trends in technology.
Another way that I will stay current on the latest technological trends and devices is that I plan to subscribe to free newsletters, blog RSS feeds, etc. -- in addition to checking periodically on technology-based websites. One such website that looks particularly interesting is Wired.com, an online technology news website that hosts several technology blogs on all kinds of relevant subjects, from culture and science to new products and security. Mashable.com, a British-American news website, technology, and social media blog, also looks to have much germane content on its pages. Among other topics, the latter site focuses on web development, technology, memes, and gadgets.
Finally, I have recently joined the Association for Information Technology Professionals, and I am very excited about it. Although I am already a member of the ALA and the NCLA, I am eager to start taking advantage of some of the many benefits that the AITP has to offer its members. Per the AITP’s website, the organization provides a community network for IT professionals by providing educational programs for advancing technology and business skills, leadership development opportunities, networking, peer mentoring, knowledge sharing, and online resources. As a member of the AITP, I will be able to meet new people working in my field, learn about career and business opportunities, and, perhaps most importantly, stay abreast of current and emerging trends in the industry.
Needless to say, it is incredibly important to stay up-to-date with both current and emerging technologies. And, as an LIS graduate student, this fact is becoming clearer every day. Taking LIS 631 – my first technology course in the MLIS program at UNCG – has made me realize even more how important it is to have a sound technological background, a fact that holds true for virtually all career paths in today’s world – and in the world of the future. Some people may be inclined to think that staying current with emerging technologies requires too much of them and is too large an investment of their time. I, however, think that doing so is perhaps the best investment most people – but especially LIS students – can make. It’s an investment that will keep giving back, not only to the person making said investment but also for those in the community who can benefit from that person’s expertise.
Although by far my most challenging class of the semester, I have enjoyed the experiences I’ve had and the knowledge I have gained in LIS 631 so much that I have registered for LIS 643 (Metadata) for next semester. I am really looking forward to learning how to define and recognize different types and functions of metadata. I believe that taking LIS 643 next semester will be one surefire way to keep abreast of emerging technologies in information access. And, depending upon how that class goes, I may try to take one technology course per semester during the rest of my time in the program. I think that this will be a great way to stay current and involved with new and evolving trends in technology.
Another way that I will stay current on the latest technological trends and devices is that I plan to subscribe to free newsletters, blog RSS feeds, etc. -- in addition to checking periodically on technology-based websites. One such website that looks particularly interesting is Wired.com, an online technology news website that hosts several technology blogs on all kinds of relevant subjects, from culture and science to new products and security. Mashable.com, a British-American news website, technology, and social media blog, also looks to have much germane content on its pages. Among other topics, the latter site focuses on web development, technology, memes, and gadgets.
Finally, I have recently joined the Association for Information Technology Professionals, and I am very excited about it. Although I am already a member of the ALA and the NCLA, I am eager to start taking advantage of some of the many benefits that the AITP has to offer its members. Per the AITP’s website, the organization provides a community network for IT professionals by providing educational programs for advancing technology and business skills, leadership development opportunities, networking, peer mentoring, knowledge sharing, and online resources. As a member of the AITP, I will be able to meet new people working in my field, learn about career and business opportunities, and, perhaps most importantly, stay abreast of current and emerging trends in the industry.
Needless to say, it is incredibly important to stay up-to-date with both current and emerging technologies. And, as an LIS graduate student, this fact is becoming clearer every day. Taking LIS 631 – my first technology course in the MLIS program at UNCG – has made me realize even more how important it is to have a sound technological background, a fact that holds true for virtually all career paths in today’s world – and in the world of the future. Some people may be inclined to think that staying current with emerging technologies requires too much of them and is too large an investment of their time. I, however, think that doing so is perhaps the best investment most people – but especially LIS students – can make. It’s an investment that will keep giving back, not only to the person making said investment but also for those in the community who can benefit from that person’s expertise.
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