The Librarian’s Introduction to Programming Languages presents case studies and practical applications for using the top programming languages in library and information settings. While there are books and Web sites devoted to teaching programming, there are few works that address multiple programming languages or address the specific reasons why programming is a critical area of learning for library and information science professionals. There are many books on programming languages but no recent items directly written for librarians that span a variety of programs. Many practicing librarians see programming as something for IT people or beyond their capabilities. This book will help these librarians to feel comfortable discussing programming with others by providing an understanding of when the language might be useful, what is needed to make it work, and relevant tools to extend its application. Additionally, the inclusion of practical examples lets readers try a small “app” for the language. This also will assist readers who want to learn a language but are unsure of which language would be the best fit for them in terms of learning curve and application. The languages covered are JavaScript, PERL, PHP, SQL, Python, Ruby, C, C#, and Java. This book is designed to provide a basic working knowledge of each language presented. Case studies show the programming language used in real ways, and resources for exploring each language in more detail are also included.

How can libraries ensure that patrons from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds have access to advanced technology training and hardware? Everyone knows libraries provide access to computers and the internet for day to day use, but many libraries have gone beyond those basic services. Makerspaces and advanced tech training are often not equitably distributed between differing communities. The digital divide is still very real, and by not providing equal access to maker spaces and other similar services libraries may be unintentionally contributing to that divide. This book examines how the unequal distribution of resources between communities can limit access to emerging technologies. Chapters from librarians across the country give real world examples of libraries going the extra mile to bring more than just email access to their communities, regardless of economic status or geographic distribution. You’ll find practical plans put forward by working professionals who have sought pragmatic solutions to issues of digital literacy. Access is a through line in this work as people look at the larger ideas of access as inclusive of training, diverse technologies, and the time and space to make genuine growth in tech literacy. Chapters include: working with immigrants, low cost laptops for library use, deep dives into the underpinnings of the maker movement, and developing community-focused technology training. After reading this book, librarians should have practical ideas to address the issue of equity in access to emerging technologies in their own communities.

The LITA Leadership Guide from the American Library Association division charged with information technology brings together three important professional development topics -- leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology -- in one volume, uniting theory, practice, and case studies from experienced colleagues in the field. Topics include: cultivating creativity, career pivots, forecasting and planning for change, keeping tech and leadership skills ahead of the curve, and incorporating lessons and knowledge from across sectors. Additional concepts include: professional development, evaluating risk, overcoming barriers to innovation, and seeding success in your career and organization. The book will help librarians at every level of the career ladder and will supplement leadership and skill-based training workshops. Library leadership teams interested in the development of their staff as a means of improving their organizational performance will find this book to provide context for growth, training, and collaboration. This book provides big-picture concepts that affect the many stages of a librarian’s career: •“Librarian as Leader”, • “Librarian as Entrepreneur”, and •“Librarian as Technologist” and thus is suitable for staff development, discussion groups, or courses. This LITA Guide will help librarians understand how to chart their career development across these three foundational platforms, and become familiar with how peers have successfully created positive change for themselves, and their libraries, as leaders, entrepreneurs, and technologists

This comprehensive primer introduces information technology topics foundational to many services offered in today’s libraries and information centers. Written by a librarian, it clearly explains concepts familiar to the I.T. professional with an eye toward practical applications in libraries for the aspiring technologist. Chapters begin with a basic introduction to a major topic then go into enough technical detail of relevant technologies to be useful to the student preparing for library technology and systems work or the professional needing to converse effectively with technology experts. Many chapters also present current issues or trends for the subject matter being discussed. The twelve chapters cover major topics such as technology support, computer hardware, networking, server administration, information security, web development, software and systems development, emerging technology, library management technologies, and technology planning. Each chapter also includes a set of pedagogical features for use with instruction including: Chapter summary List of key terms End of chapter question set Suggested activities Bibliography for further reading List of web resources Those who will find this book useful include library & information science students, librarians new to systems or information technology responsibilities, and library managers desiring a primer on information technology.

The Savvy Academic Librarian’s Guide to Technological Innovation provides detailed plans for purposefully integrating technology into the fabric of the academic environment by utilizing examples from a variety of institutions to illustrate successful methods and best practices. Included case studies and further readings emphasize everything needed to create, grow, and sustain a holistic plan for integrating technology within the academic library setting. Highlighted features include: Concentration on technology uses and applications Activities and steps needed to develop partnerships, design learning outcomes and other pedagogical applications and measure the success of each of these elements Practical, how-to approach that is useful to four-year, two-year, and community colleges alike

New technology and services are fundamental to maintaining the relevance of libraries today, but which technologies and/or services make sense to implement, and which to avoid? Building from a framework drawn in the overlap of design thinking with best practices in emerging technology and library practice, this book is a go-to guide for the active library practitioner and LIS student alike. From the 3D printers and laser cutters of today’s library makerspace to collection development and library outreach, this primer offers clear examples that illustrate the practical and collaborative approach that ensures alignment and increases the likelihood of success. Written as a textbook for LIS students in the crossover areas of emerging technology, design thinking, and library management, the book will also meet the needs of the active library practitioner in public, academic, and special libraries, both those new to the field and seasoned professionals. The practical treatment and examples provided will be of interest and immediate use. Questions at the end of each chapter give readers an opportunity to think about the concepts presented. The book is also designed to let the enduring values of librarianship and library practice shine through, guiding the reader to navigate the future of library technology.

More and more individuals today are “digital natives.” They are comfortable with all of the advances in technology, using it every day. However, while they may be able to access the digital world easily does not translate into being able to successfully navigate it. Regardless of age and experience, young adults must be mindful of their digital presence in the expanding digital world. This book provides a guide for librarians, educators, counselors, and administrators to guide secondary and higher education students in successfully practicing responsible citizenship and civics in the digital world. In our world where our social credit is held increasing value, digital civics and citizenship are powerful tools, especially for students just venturing into this expansive realm.

The LITA Guide to No- or Low-Cost Technology Tools for Libraries provides a practical guide on how to find and use technology tools for a variety of purposes in libraries and, more broadly, in education. Each topic showcases two technology tools in detail and discusses additional tools and provides examples of how librarians or educators are using them in libraries and schools. Types of tools covered are: Video creation tools, such as PowToon and Animaker, can be used to create animated videos to tell patrons about a new service or teach students about search strategies. Screencasts includes tools like Jing or Screencast-O-Matic, which can be used to show how to use a new library database or service. Collaboration tools, including tools such as Padlet or Lino It, can be used for student collaboration or teamwork with colleagues and sharing project ideas quickly and easily. Assessment tools such as Quizizz and Kahoot allow for gamified assessment of student or patron knowledge.

As remote work has become routine, cloud-based technology tools have become increasingly necessary to communicate with other library staff and with faculty and staff to continue providing seamless and uninterrupted access to library resources and collections for our campus community. Cloud-based technology tools such as Google Forms and Google Sheets are used to gather faculty requests for collection development, tools such as Tableau are used to illustrate material budget balances, and platforms such as Trello have been adopted to track subscription renewal cycles and manage other projects. This guide discusses the benefits of using these powerful cloud-based and little to no additional cost technology tools through the lens of a particular area in librarianship such as documentation, data and project management, communication, data storage, and data visualization. While the real-world examples provided throughout focus on technical services staff operations, specifically acquisitions and electronic collection management, each tool’s features and use cases are transferable among all areas of librarianship. This guide provides insights into how collaborative, dynamic, and accessible these cloud-based solutions are for a technologically shifting workplace as well as considers the challenges to adopting cloud-based solutions such as administrative buy-in, aversion to change, and steeper learning curves as well. Readers will gain practical experiential examples that have been instrumental in creating efficiencies in collection management workflows for technical services staff. The use cases illustrated exemplify enhancements that librarians can incorporate into their own collection management practices to further engage with their colleagues, their patrons, and their larger communities more effectively and efficiently.

Augmented and Virtual Reality in Libraries is written for librarians, by librarians: understanding that diverse communities use libraries, museums, and archives for a variety of different reasons. Many current books on this topic have a very technological focus on augmentation and are aimed towards computer programmers with advanced technology skills. This book makes augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality applications much more accessible to professionals without extensive technology backgrounds. This innovative title touches on possible implementation, projects, and assessment needs for both academic and public libraries, museums, and archives.