Re-establishing values, constructing new missions: the value of modern library in the development of information and digital literacy in public life
Abstract:
The modern library environment requires a holistic working ethos that is underpinned by adaptability, flexibility and transferability. The need to stay up-to-date with the external fast changing technological developments, the constantly evolving digital landscapes of librarians’ own working contexts and the complexity of their emerging roles requires a proactive attitude and involvement in continuous learning and development, adapting to new needs and re-establishing values and priorities. Drawing from previous research conducted by the presenter within the areas of information and digital literacy, this presentation explores the value of librarians developing technological and transferable skills for fostering and supporting information and digital literacy in their communities. It also addresses the need for continuing professional development and increasing awareness of the expanding online educational opportunities for librarians, as well as promoting a culture of sharing and openness in the library profession.
Dr Konstantina Martzoukou is Lecturer at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and Course Leader for the MSc Information & Library Studies programme. She gained her PhD in Web information seeking behaviour in 2006 and since then she has written for a number of peer reviewed academic journals and presented her work at international conferences in the areas of information seeking behaviour and information literacy. She is a member of the Editorial Advisory Committee of Library Management Journal and committee member of Multimedia Information and Technology, a specialist group of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals for Scotland. She is also the Co-judge of the Librarians Information Literacy Annual Conference (LILAC) Student Award http://www.lilacconference.com/ and a member of the Local Organising Committee of i3 Information, Interactions and Impact conference http://www.rgu.ac.uk/research/conferences/i-2015/overview. She will soon have her first co-edited book, entitled Trends in Music Information Seeking, Behavior, and Retrieval for Creativity published (by IGI Global).