ETS
by
Jason Coleman, Editor
Note from the ETS Chair
The Emerging Technology Section is in the midst of a busy spring. It will soon be giving out two achievement awards and hosting several online learning opportunities. Details are below:
Activities from the recent past:
- ETS Member Survey
The 2020 ETS Member Survey ran in November and December 2020. We had 100 responses and are looking at the results this spring.
- ETS presented during the Jan. 12, 2021 RUSA Townhall about Services During the Time of COVID-19. The presentation was a short version of the ETS Bridging the Digital Divide webinar coming up on February 18, 2021 from Noon-1pm.
- 2021 Member Forum
ETS held a Member Forum at the ALA Midwinter virtual event on Saturday, January 23 @ 12:15pm (CST). The forum featured a panel of ETS members who shared their experiences with providing services during COVID-19, particularly the libraries’ role in bridging the digital divide.
Upcoming activities:
- Achievement Award Selections
ETS accepted nominations through February 12, 2021 for RUSA’s ETS Achievement Award and for RUSA/ETS’ Best Emerging Technology Application sponsored by Chatstaff and LibraryH3lp. Winners will be selected by February 26, 2021.
- ETS Bridging the Digital Divide
ETS is hosting a webinar on February 18, 2021 from Noon-1pm. The description from https://rusaupdate.org/2021/02/ets-bridging-the-digital-divide/ is:Many libraries have had to close their public spaces during the pandemic. As a result, the gap between those with the technology to access information and those without has become noticeably wider. This presentation will give an overview of how libraries are bridging the digital divide during COVID-19 with some specific examples from ETS members.
- From a New Normal to a New Future: eForum on Trends in Virtual Reference & Emerging Technology
ETS’ Hot Topics Committee is co-sponsoring an eForum on March 2nd & 3rd, 2021 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST. The description from https://lists.ala.org/sympa/info/vrc-eforum is:The eForum will be a discussion of how the events of 2020, including operating during a pandemic and in a highly polarized environment, will have a lasting impact on reference work, services, & technology. By sharing lessons we have learned in change management and critical librarianship, we can find a new normal and look forward to new trends in reference and emerging technology. Whether you are just starting with virtual reference or have expanded existing services with new technologies, this forum will give you an opportunity to learn from colleagues. Topics of discussion include what is currently going well, lessons learned from past experiences, and future plans. This eForum is a joint collaboration of the following RUSA committees: Virtual Reference Services, Managing Emerging Technology, & Emerging Technologies Hot Topics and is open to all. #vrceforum. Full details available at https://sites.google.com/view/vrc-eforum.
- Level Up: Tools and Tips for More Engaging Online Learning
ETS’ Managing Emerging Technology committee is offering a webinar on Wednesday, April 16 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST. The description from http://www.ala.org/rusa/level-tools-and-tips-more-engaging-online-learning is:Navigating the library environment during the COVID-19 pandemic has engendered technological partnerships that enable us to connect meaningfully with our communities. Librarians will discuss their use of existing and emerging technology to provide access to essential information. During this moderated webinar, three presenters will demonstrate their distinctive online learning objects; a virtual learning environment in Mozilla Hubs, a business research toolkit, and a video tutorial made with a green screen. They will discuss technology selection/adoption, online learning object assessment, and will share best practices for the creation of similar objects. This webinar is ideal for individuals who want to expand their online learning object skillset.