SJSU SLIS Publishes Report on Technology Integration and Residency Models

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During the last year, leaders from the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at San José State University, along with national advisory partners, have been studying and planning a unique post-master’s residency model that will support efforts to integrate emerging technology into a variety of library settings. The residency model also focuses on developing future library leaders who can be catalysts for transformative change.

SLIS recently published a report summarizing the team’s findings and recommendations. Download your free copy of Developing a Technology Integration Residency Model: The Catalyst Project Report here.

The report reviews the team’s exploration of current residency models, as well as how librarians define and deploy emerging technology. It examines how residency programs can support libraries’ ongoing efforts to identify and effectively integrate emerging technology that will best serve their users. The report also describes elements of a residency model that, once tested and refined, can provide the library profession with a replicable model.

Next steps for the Catalyst project are to fully develop the residency program model, secure funding for the project’s next phase, and test the model in several host library organizations. In addition, the team plans to create a replication toolkit to help future host institutions streamline implementation.

“Our mission is to build strong leaders among early career library professionals who will be catalysts for transformative change in libraries,” said Dr. Sandra Hirsh, SLIS director and Catalyst project director. “We hope the model will provide creative solutions, helping libraries respond to rapidly shifting priorities, enhance the quality of library services, and benefit their communities,” added Hirsh.

Project advisory partners include the Association of College and Research Libraries, the Public Library Association, and the Urban Libraries Council, as well as OCLC, an organization that offers a depth of global expertise regarding technology integration in libraries.

Leaders from these partner organizations gathered to discuss the project in February 2012, and shared their thoughts regarding the project’s potential impact on the profession. A video recording of their discussion is freely available on the SLIS website. The website also features recordings of presentations about the project, which were delivered at professional conferences earlier this year.

The Catalyst project was launched in June 2011, thanks to a one-year planning grant awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Over the last year as the team has been developing the residency model, they gathered input from experts in emerging technology and residency models, as well as library leaders and representatives of professional organizations. The Catalyst team anticipates launching the pilot projects during 2013, as long as funding for the pilot projects can be secured.

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