Information and Communication Technologies

Statement of Competency:
Demonstrate proficiency in identifying, using, and evaluating current and emerging information and communication technologies.

Introduction

Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a central role in how information is created, accessed, and shared within library and information science (LIS). Competency H focuses on the ability to identify, use, and evaluate both current and emerging technologies in order to support information access and user needs. As technology continues to evolve, information professionals must not only adopt new tools but also assess their effectiveness and relevance within different contexts.

The rapid development of digital platforms, data tools, and communication technologies has transformed the way information organizations operate. Hirsh (2022) explains that information professionals are increasingly responsible for integrating technology into services, collections, and user engagement. This includes tools for content delivery, data analysis, and digital communication, all of which require both technical proficiency and critical evaluation.

Identifying appropriate technologies requires awareness of emerging trends and an understanding of how tools can support different types of information work. Stephens (2022) emphasizes that information professionals must remain adaptable as technologies continue to reshape how users interact with information. This includes recognizing the value of platforms such as data visualization tools, content management systems, and web-based applications in improving access and engagement.

Using technology effectively also requires the ability to translate technical processes into meaningful user experiences. Fontichiaro (2022) highlights how digital tools support interactive and user-centered services, while Ossom-Williamson (2021) emphasizes that data technologies are most effective when they are organized, analyzed, and clearly communicated to users. This perspective reinforces that technology use extends beyond implementation to include interpretation and presentation.

Evaluation is a critical component of working with technology. Information professionals must assess whether tools are usable, accessible, and appropriate for their intended purpose. Krokski (2022) notes that evaluating technology includes analyzing user engagement and system effectiveness, while Ossom-Williamson and Rambsy (2021) further emphasize the importance of clearly “telling” the story of data through visualization and communication. These approaches highlight the need to balance technical capability with user understanding.

Through my coursework, I have worked with a range of technologies, including web development tools, content management systems, data visualization platforms, and presentation tools. These experiences have allowed me to not only use technology, but to evaluate its effectiveness and communicate its value. This competency reflects my ability to identify, apply, and assess technologies in ways that support access, communication, and user-centered information services.

Evidence

My understanding of information and communication technologies has developed through coursework that required me to build, apply, and evaluate a variety of digital tools. Through assignments in INFO 240, INFO 287, INFO 220, and INFO 200, I engaged with technologies that support information creation, access, and analysis. These experiences allowed me to understand not only how to use technology, but how to assess its effectiveness in meeting user needs.

Artifact #1

Website Development: Book Nook Library (INFO 240: Information Technology Tools and Applications)

Justification

This artifact demonstrates my ability to build and apply web-based technologies. In this project, I developed a functional website using HTML, CSS, and PHP to create a structured and user-friendly interface.

The site includes modular components such as a header and navigation system, allowing for consistent design across pages. I also implemented structured sections such as a homepage, events page, and informational content, demonstrating how web technologies can be used to organize and present information effectively.

This artifact reflects my ability to use current technologies to create digital information environments. It also demonstrates an understanding of how design, structure, and usability work together to support user access.

Artifact #2

LibGuide: Animal Rescue and Advocacy (INFO 287: Library Services in the Digital Age)

Justification

This artifact demonstrates my ability to use a content management system to deliver information services. In this project, I created a LibGuide that organizes resources on animal rescue and advocacy into a structured, user-friendly interface.

The guide includes curated resources, embedded media, and data visualizations, allowing users to explore information through multiple formats. It also incorporates navigation features and categorized content, demonstrating how digital platforms can support information access and user engagement.

This artifact shows how technology can be used to extend library services into digital environments. It reflects my ability to apply tools that support both information organization and user interaction.

Artifact #3

Data Visualization and Analysis: Suicide Dataset (INFO 220: Data Services in Libraries)

Justification

This artifact demonstrates my ability to use and evaluate data technologies. In this project, I worked with a dataset on suicide rates in California, using tools such as Excel, OpenRefine, and Tableau to clean, analyze, and visualize data.

The process required evaluating the accuracy and structure of the dataset, transforming raw data into a usable format, and selecting appropriate visualization methods to communicate findings. In addition to the visualization itself, I developed research questions to guide analysis, focusing on trends, demographic differences, and geographic patterns.

This artifact demonstrates how technology supports both analysis and decision-making. It reflects my ability to not only use data tools, but to evaluate their effectiveness in presenting meaningful information.

Building on my experience analyzing data, I further developed my ability to communicate technical concepts through a user-focused presentation.

Artifact #4

Data Workshop Presentation (INFO 220 / INFO 287 — Data Tools & Communication)

Justification

This artifact demonstrates my ability to communicate and evaluate information technologies in a user-centered context. In this project, I created and delivered a data workshop presentation that focused on explaining data tools and concepts to an audience.

The presentation required translating technical processes such as data cleaning, visualization, and analysis into clear and accessible language. I used visual elements and structured explanations to demonstrate how tools like Excel, OpenRefine, and Tableau can be used to organize and interpret data. This process reinforced the importance of not only understanding technology, but being able to communicate its function and value to others.

Additionally, this project required evaluating which tools and methods were most appropriate for the audience. I considered usability, clarity, and effectiveness when selecting examples and designing the presentation. This reflects an understanding that technology must be adapted to user needs, rather than applied in a purely technical way.

This artifact supports Competency H by demonstrating my ability to use, evaluate, and communicate information technologies. It highlights my ability to bridge the gap between technical systems and user understanding, ensuring that technology is both accessible and meaningful.

Conclusion

Through these artifacts, I have developed a practical understanding of how information and communication technologies are used, evaluated, and adapted within different information environments. My experience building a website, creating a LibGuide, working with data visualization tools, and developing a data workshop presentation demonstrated that technology in LIS is not limited to technical implementation, but also involves usability, accessibility, and communication.

This competency reinforced that effective use of technology requires both technical proficiency and critical evaluation. Tools must be selected and applied with intention, ensuring that they support user needs and improve access to information. Additionally, the ability to communicate how technologies function is essential, as users must be able to understand and engage with the systems designed for them.

As I move forward in my career, I will continue to apply these principles by selecting appropriate technologies, evaluating their effectiveness, and adapting them to meet evolving user needs. I will also remain engaged with emerging technologies and trends in LIS, ensuring that my approach remains flexible and responsive. By doing so, I will be better prepared to support information services that are both technologically effective and user-centered.

References

Fontichiaro, K. (2022). Creation culture and makerspaces. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today (3rd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.

Hirsh, S. (2022). Information services today: An introduction (3rd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.

Krokski, E. (2022). Virtual services and resources. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today (3rd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.

Ossom-Williamson, P. (2021). Organize; Analyze. In The Data Notebook. Mavs Open Press.

Ossom-Williamson, P., & Rambsy, K. (2021). Tell. In The Data Notebook. Mavs Open Press. https://uta.pressbooks.pub/datanotebook/chapter/2-6-tell/

Stephens, M. (2022). Hyperlinked libraries. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today (3rd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.