Summer reading books placed in the community room at EPA
Technology has come far in how we have been able to bridge gaps and solve problems. Whether that be composing an email, printing documents, or googling how to’s, it has turned into a habitual experience that is becoming accessible to everyone within the palm of their hands. One of my favorite parts of working as a librarian aide is solving problems through tech. I’ve had wide ranging experiences helping patrons connect to the internet, how to use the hotspot, and offering constructive help through different tools that patrons use. For those who have never been exposed to technology, libraries are a perfect place to learn and book tech tutor sessions on teaching even the most basic steps of using tech or equipment such as learning how to 3D print and using the sewing machine. And the best part – it is all free!
But what are ways to adapt to the environment and evolve? Lifelong learners should be inquisitive through emerging technologies as it has never been more present in libraries. In the library I work at, there are many resources that involve access to information ranging from students to seniors. For example, East Palo Alto Library offers HelpNow for students who need help with homework remotely as well as Linkedin Learning to learn a new skill. The most recent technology that was infused in our library is that patrons can check out a blood pressure monitoring kit! While technology and the ways of loaning different resources in libraries has come as far as it has, the biggest thing to be mindful of is the importance of continued learning for information seekers and their general approach on whether they remain engaged based on their level of interest in a personal or professional environment (Horrigan, 2016). Those who are lifelong learners like to gather as much information as they can and look for opportunities to grow (Horrigan, 2016). Accessible materials and loaning in the library should not be taken for granted.
Digital literacy has also gotten a stranglehold in how we research and assimilate information. Evolving needs from Artificial Intelligence to Metadata and VR are around, but it’s important that it is there to bring solutions to the table and improve the experience within patrons to generate ideas, not replace essential workers who are in the line of duty and have a absolute need to be presently active in their respective roles. While nothing has replaced something like shelving, I can definitely see how Artificial Intelligence can come up with how to organize books and other library materials in a way where it can be best placed based on the amount of room it can take to gondolas placed in a certain angle.
To conclude, from personal experience, when I need to troubleshoot, I would always refer to the web to find solutions for information. Sometimes it isn’t what you know, but what you can provide based on your knowledge and expertise. Lifelong learners and the way problems are being broken down to solve problems is advantageous for other patrons to understand and benefit from. It is why infinite learning is an important aspect in libraries because you just might never know what you come across. Embracing a mindset that is accessible for all and facilitating a hands on approach to experience community engagement through technology will show that patrons will benefit from this landscape we are in.
References
Horrigan, J.B. (2016, March 22). Adults with tech-access tools are likely to be lifelong learners and rely on the internet to pursue knowledge. Pew Research Center. Retrieved April 11, 2025 from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/03/22/adults-with-tech-access-tools-are-more-likely-to-be-lifelong-learners-and-rely-on-the-internet-to-pursue-knowledge/
Horrigan, J.B. (2016, March 22). People’s attitudes about learning, the classroom and personal growth shape adult learning activities. Pew Research Center. Retrieved April 11, 2025 from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/03/22/adults-with-tech-access-tools-are-more-likely-to-be-lifelong-learners-and-rely-on-the-internet-to-pursue-knowledge/https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/03/22/peoples-attitudes-about-learning-the-classroom-and-personal-growth-shape-adult-learning-activities/
Horrigan, J.B. (2016, March 22). The joy – and urgency – of learning. Pew Research Center. Retrieved April 11, 2025 from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/03/22/the-joy-and-urgency-of-learning/