Knowledge is Power

Testing Information Literacy in Digital Environments: 
ETS's iSkills Assessment 
by Katz, Irvin R.
Information Technology & Libraries
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=c50bb547-2be3-4dec-8497-ba36cc33fa2f%40sessionmgr12&vid=7&hid=11

"However, anecdotally and in small-scale studies, there is increasing evidence that students do not use technology effectively when they conduct research or communicate" - (Rockman 2004)

'Keep moving forward', one of Disney's motto. Sounds right ain't it? But how do you sustain the change on moving forward if those who are involve is not yet prepared? Have you also considered a gap between information literacy and digital literacy that occurs in today's students process of learning? What kind of assessment would help today's generation be prepared of the future? The article revealed the problem of today's generation and provided a chance to solve the dilemma through gathering of data. If you have a vital role in this kind of formation, the article can help you have a head start through the solution of ICT and iSkills assessment.

Learnings

• Vital Roles. There are still irreplaceable duties bound on teachers, administrators as well as librarians. Some people take it for granted thinking that technology had replace these place in learning but in reality furthered the expectations on us, those involve with vital roles.
• Two is better than one. The learning of today shouldn't favor one side - whether be in favor of digital literacy or information literacy alone. 'Two heads is better than one' remember? So is in education, learning how to be literate in the two perspective will bring out the best of the learner.
• Primer. We have been so used in finding information in few minutes, in one click. A vast of information identified in just seconds. Sadly, we have one of the most important part in education that had started millenniums ago, the education primer: thinking process. We have become so used in having results presented to us that a vital process, the art of thinking, we needed for our own advancement is somehow lost. 

Implications

The experts keep on reminding us that health is wealth, never take it for granted. But how much have we took for granted the technology that promised progress. Progress in saving up time but took away some important things such as the thinking process. Isn't it said that a sound mind makes a sound body? Therefore we must learn how to properly use the technology in our advantage such as developing one of the most important things - our critical thinking. Even if technology can bring us progress through its fast-paced features we should remember that our minds are like a crop, to harvest the best product takes time. 

Reference

Katz, I. (2007). Testing Information Literacy in Digital Environments: ETS's iSkills Assessment. Information Technology & Libraries. 26(3). 3-12. Retreived from: Academic Source Complete.

New Niche in Library

Ebrary finds the public niche

by Michael Kelley

June 15, 2012

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=c50bb547-2be3-4dec-8497-ba36cc33fa2f%40sessionmgr12&vid=5&hid=11

"I don't want to buy a lot of reference stuff that doesn't get used," Brewer says. "The great number of books on ebrary really sold us." -Becky Brewer, the head of information services for the Jackson County Public Library

Inevitable shift, the main reason behind the creation of the Ebrary by ProQuest. This article contains a short but good narration on the experience as well as the logical facts that proceeds the shift from print to electronic format. It is also good to take note the shift coming from a different perspective, aside from librarians  which is the provider. If you are a new librarian or unfamiliar on the shift from print to e-resources this is a good article to start with. 

Learning

• The shift is inevitable. That in the age of information it is a form of adaptation or else will lead to extinction. But it doesn't mean that it's inevitable, it's bad. It is a good 'inevitable' circumstance that pushes us to something better. 
• No good thing comes without a cost. Did I said cost? Yes and not only that but also hard work. Just like someone trying to lose weight and putting effort to be in shape so does the library (and especially the librarians) putting effort and hard work to keep our collection fit for the minds of our users. 
• Domino effect in community. Somehow we are driven to look at things solely in our point of view wherein fact the things that we are experiencing is the same with those around us just in a different form. We librarians experience it, the providers and the vendors experience it and so does the people who uses our services.

Implications

The bar is now leveled up. Have you noticed how often a single cellphone changes it's model? If my would-be users have adapted that fast changing mode of information, as a librarian who is expected to give them the best information resources, I personally feel the pressure. Fortunately, I like change. Just like what Gerry Lane from World War Z said, "Motion is key to survival."

Reference: 

Kelley, M. (2012). Ebrary finds public niche. Library Journal. 137(11), 26-28. Retreived from: web.ebscohost.com