Published: November 13, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro

According to a new Gartner report, the top 10 strategic technology trends for 2019 include AI-driven development, virtual reality, augmented reality, blockchain and digital ethics. You have the opportunity to learn more about some of these trends during your time at the School of Information. Being prepared about technology trends that could impact your future work as an information professional will help you navigate the changes and to maximize them. Not to mention iSchool Director Dr. Hirsh shared with students that employers are looking for candidates with technological skills in her most recent virtual coffee chat. 

Emerging Technologies: Issues and Trends Pathway
A good place to start if you’re looking to boost your knowledge of technology trends is to add a few classes from the emerging technologies career pathway into your schedule. As a reminder, career pathways are for advising purposes only and you won’t receive any kind of special designation with your degree. Take a look at some of the offerings coming up in the next couple of semesters:

• INFO 240 Information Technology Tools and Applications (Spring 2019 Regular Session)
• INFO 241 Emerging technologies that could be core pieces in 3-5 years (linked data, the Internet of Things) (Spring 2019 Special Session, 1 unit)
• INFO 282 The Emerging Future: Technology Issues and Trends (Spring 2019 Special Session)
• INFO 287 Augmented Virtual Reality (Summer 2019)

Library 2.0
If you’re not familiar with Library 2.0, they host free mini-conferences for information professionals throughout the year that sometimes focus on technology. One from this year you should definitely check out was on blockchain technology. You can access all of the recordings by registering on the Library 2.0 website. Keep an eye out for 2019’s line-up and make a point to attend any technology focused conferences.

ASIS&T Student Chapter
While the Association for Information Science and Technology is not the only professional association to consider emerging technology trends, technology is one of their main focuses. The iSchool has their very own student chapter. You can join as a member to connect with faculty and peers, and get involved in events and programs hosted by the group. Don’t forget about your free membership to a professional association in INFO 200; if you’re interested in technology, ASIS&T could be a good choice.

Further Opportunities
A great way to get hands on experience is by completing an internship. Look for internships in the database that will allow you to build technological competence. You can also build your skills through INFO 298 special studies opportunities that utilize technology. Some of the graduate student assistant opportunities also involve using technology or explore emerging technology trends. Any of these would look great on your resume.

Almost all library and information science careers require technological skills, so take advantage of the opportunities at the iSchool to learn new ones or develop your existing set. Expanding your knowledge of issues and trends related to technology will help you plan and anticipate problems as an information professional in your future (or current) career.