Computer Skills among Librarians
Jessamyn thinks librarians need computer skills–/need/ as in perhaps computer skills should be a mandatory part of a graduate school education. When I applied to graduate school, I had to complete a number of forms indicating my proficiencies, but I wasn’t required to learn any computer skills. I realized, though, that knowing HTML and being able to design and build Web sites, having a familiarity with the Internet, searching skillfully, and being adept at using computers would make me a very strong candidate for a number of positions. When I was last hunting for a job just a few years ago, potential employers seemed more interested in my computer-related experience than most of the positions I had held in libraries. I thought everyone one else would have those skills, too, so I was surprised that they seemed to be so important to employers. I think in some cases, it’s what set me apart from other candidates.
Many of my classmates didn’t have strong computer skills and some hoped for positions that wouldn’t require a lot of computer knowledge or use. I often wonder how they fared on the job market, what kinds of positions they have now, and where they’ll be in their careers in ten or twenty years if they don’t improve their knowledge of computers.
I know of older librarians who find computers and learning new computer technologies intimidating. In some circumstances, employers look for those skills in new hires to balance the less technically savvy people on staff.
Granted, since most of my current position is just me, a computer, and a network connection, I could be very biased, but as I look at the use of technology in libraries and among librarians, I don’t see it going away. If anything, how librarians and their clients use computers and information technology keeps expanding.
