Introduction to Information Technology

This class focused on the organization and representation of information and knowledge through technology. We learned to create a website and to critically evaluate other websites. In addition, we learned about podcasts, vodcasts, blogs, OPACS, and many other technologies which can be used in the library field to organize and represent information.

We discussed how the use of technology could encourage teens and other tech savvy library patrons to access library services. For example, perhaps teens would be more likely to read if they could create a podcast or vodcast of a book talk which would be posted to the library website.

The biggest project in class was the creation of our own websites. While mine was not very fancy, it was functional! This was a personal success for me. However, as a result of Trevor’s basic lessons in website creation and design, I have now created another website, which is much more attractive and useful for job hunting. As a matter of fact, understanding what a good website looks like was a highlight of the class. If a website looks organized and is user friendly, more people will use it. This is important for libraries to remember.

I really learned a lot about many technologies which I only had a basic understanding of before. I detail some of these technologies in a blog I wrote for the class. I have attached the blog. This was probably the most useful and important class I have taken in the program.