Technology Core Competencies

I have been working on the core competencies and have a few questions for the group. I have in my notes that we wanted three levels from basic to advanced. In going over the items to include, I have hit a roadblock. If we are talking about technology core competencies for KS library workers then we are talking about all the workers, not just the libarians. Most of our libraries are so small that there is no distinction because everyone is a librarian. My first draft is for the basics that everyone should know. After the basics I am not sure how to proceed. It depends on the job function as to what the next level of competencies would be. Below is my first draft. The italicized items at the end are things that someone should know. If it is a one person library then that is the person. If it is a five person library then I am not sure how to look at the list. Please give me some feedback.

Technology Core Competencies for Kansas Library Workers

Library staff deals with technology every day. It is important that library staff have the necessary technology skills to be able to do their jobs. Technology competencies can assist libraries in assessing staff technology training needs and selecting or developing an appropriate training program.

This set of competencies is intended to serve as a base model for technology competencies among Kansas library workers.

Terminology
• A basic understanding of technology terminology (pdf)

Hardware
• Parts of the Computer
 Identify Computer, Monitor, drives (floppy drive, CD ROM drive), and ports (USB, parallel)
 Turn a computer on and off correctly
 Use the mouse (left-click, right-click, double-click, drag), keyboard (functions keys, shortcuts), and other peripheral devices attached to the computer (scanner, speakers, flash drives)

• Printers
 Turn a printer on and off correctly
 Load paper and cartridges
 Clear a paper jam
 Manage print spool

• Photocopiers, telephones, fax machines
 Operate and perform basic troubleshooting for these machines

• Backups
 Recognize the importance of backing up files
 Know how to back up files

Software
• Web Browsers
 Understand web browser functions such as back, forward, home, print, print preview, and history
 Understand URLs
 Know basic search methods
 Create and maintain bookmarks or favorites
 Search for text in a web page
 Print all or part of a web page
 Know how to enter data into and maneuver around on-line forms

• E-mail
 Understand how to sign up for an e-mail account
 Compose, address, send, receive, open, reply, forward, and delete e-mail
 Send and receive attachments
 Store and retrieve messages
 Sort messages by date, subject, sender
 Manage an address book

• Word Processing
 Create, format, save, open, and print a document
 Change font style and size, cut and paste, bold, italicize, underline, and center text
 Understand print preview

• Operating System
 Find and launch applications from the desktop or menu
 Toggle between different windows using the taskbar
 Resize, minimize, maximize windows

• Files and Folders
 Understand the difference between files and folders
 Make a new folder
 Copy and paste, drag and drop
 Open, save or delete files and folders
 Store/back-up files on floppy disks, CDs, flash drives, and other removable media
 Knowledge of file extensions

Security
• Know what security software or hardware is used on staff and public computers and how it protects the computers
• Maintain secure passwords and have a password management system
• Be aware of the potential security and privacy threats while using e-mail and the Internet (including cookies, downloading malicious files, unsecured communications, viruses, e-mail hoaxes, spyware, adware, and phishing)

Troubleshooting
• Know how to end non-responsive programs
• Know how to reboot the workstation
• Understand cables, power cords, and switches on all equipment
• Know where to get help or technical support

Library Resources
• Library’s e-resources
 Know the webpage address for your library
 Know what resources can be found on your library homepage
 Know the webpage address for the library’s catalog
 Know how to search by author, title, keyword, and subject in the catalog

• State’s e-resources
 Know how to use a KS Library Card
 Know what resources are available with a KS Library Card

• Electronic Mailing List (listserv)
 Subscribe to a Kansas listserv such as KANLIB-L
 Know how to post messages to the listserv

• Policies
 Be familiar with and able to locate the library’s technology-related policies and procedures


Know how to disable the security software or hardware
Maintain a software inventory
Public use workstation management
Change the default home page
Clear temporary Internet files and clear history
Maintain an existing web page
Enter data in the on-line Kansas State Statistical Report
Understand copyright and fair use rules as related to electronic resources
Understand the use of filtering software on public computers, if applicable
Know how to issue a Kansas Library Card
Understand and use Boolean searching
Know how to use the Kansas Library Card and Kan-Ed databases

Software
• Spreadsheets
• Locate tutorials and/or help
• Use “Save As”
• Change paragraph formatting
• Change page setup
• Ability to use workstation management software