M01 Assignment – Core Competencies – Alisha Short

The core technology areas: email, hardware, internet, operating systems, software
applications and web technologies are important to all library staff members. Technology is
always advancing, so it is important that library staff are knowledgeable in all areas. Patrons
expect library staff to be familiar with the latest technology. These important core technology
areas are vital and will help me succeed in my career.
I feel the strongest in the email and internet areas. I grew up with the internet and email.
I’m very knowledgeable of this type of technology. I feel comfortable helping others with email
and internet questions. If someone needs help downloading a file or with their social media, I
feel very confident helping them. I am very comfortable with internet security and blocking
unwanted pop-ups. I can easily use different web browsers and I love adding files to the cloud. I
can help anyone connect to WIFI and I love helping people download e-books and audiobooks.
Email is simple and easy to understand. I find it satisfying when I can help someone send an
important email or receive a photo attachment. It is important that everyone is in constant
communication with those they know. I am always constantly aware of the latest scams and I’m
always on the lookout for them in my email. I also make sure everyone I know is aware of them.
Also, I am always helping my parents with their computer issues. I have to help them find
websites, print papers, use their social media accounts, scan for security issues, send emails and
download files. The internet and email are two of my comfort zones when it comes to technology
areas.
I feel the weakest in web technologies and core hardware areas. I haven’t had much
experience with web conferencing or online meetings. I’m not sure how some of that works,
such as Zoom conference calls. I know how to connect and operate Skype calls, but I hardly ever
participate in making those calls. I don’t feel as if I have enough experience with this type of
technology. I am not sure I would feel comfortable trying to explain it to someone else, when
I’m not 100% sure how to do it myself. This is something I would like to learn more about. I
know the basics about hardware, but I am not an expert at it. I’m not used to the different types
of tablets or smartphones. I’m not sure how an apple iPhone or iPad works, I have other brands
of that type of technology. If someone asked me how to operate Apple products, I wouldn’t
know how to explain it to them. I am not knowledgeable enough to troubleshoot some technical
problems. The different codes and errors confuse me. I have had a computer blue screen on me
before and I had no idea what to do. I researched the error extensively but still could not figure it
out. I’d like to learn more about basic troubleshooting for computers, that is something I need to
know for a library job.
None of the core competencies surprised me. I found all of the areas very important for
library staff to know. Whether it is; sending an email, connecting to social media, rebooting the
computer, downloading e-books, restoring files, spell-checking documents or setting up
conference calls; all of these tasks are vital for all library staff members. Patrons expect staff to
be well-informed of the latest technology and they expect staff to be able to assist them with
their technical problems.