What is Industrial Revolution?

 

                                                  By Mukesh Kemrajh and Mfezi Mjwara

                                                       

The Industrial Revolution was a period of scientific and technological development in the 18th century that transformed largely rural, agrarian societies, such as Europe and North America, into industrialized, urban countries. Goods that had once been painstakingly crafted by hand started to be produced in mass quantities by factory machines, thanks to the introduction of new machines and techniques in textiles, iron making and other industries. https://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/industrial-revolution

 

Just a few decades ago, when scientists, technologists and engineers explained or predicted what the world would be like from 2010, most people were not convinced enough. However, in today’s digital world, we are seeing rapid changes in the advancements of technology triggered by transitioning from the 3^rd to the 4^th Industrial Revolution, which began in the early 2000s (21^st century)

Technological pioneers continue to surprise us with state-of-the-art technologies in our libraries worldwide through innovations and changes occurring gradually every year. The following table compares the past and present functions or operations in libraries:

PAST

PRESENT

Card catalogues                                                                      > Circulation desks                                                                  >  Open shelves for print books                                        > Board library displays                                                      > Library with walls                                                               > Manual system                                                                     > Resources Print-format                                                   > A security guard at the entrance                              >

OPAC (Open Public Access Catalogue) Online library webpage Databases Digital displays A library without walls (Online libraries) Automated system E-resources 3M system & CCTV

   

With the developments and technological advances, academic libraries worldwide enjoy the benefits. We see many positive improvements in academic libraries, namely:

v  Communication - Today, libraries can communicate with patrons, staff, and other libraries (ILL) efficiently, regardless of where they are.

Staff can work from home or anywhere and form meetings via cell phones, internet resources or video conferencing.

v  Safety – Present-day technology has opened room for more safe and secure libraries. We have surveillance cameras surrounding our libraries. We install firewalls to block potential spam or hackers from infiltrating our library systems, databases, etc.

v   Improves productivity – The use of technological processes speeds up productivity in libraries. Remember handling daily operations manually used to be very time-consuming. 

v  Resource sharing & access – Many patrons can now access library resources wherever they are simultaneously.

v  Information storage – Before, we used huge cabinets to store large documents in print format, but today we use electronic databases to manage our library collection.

 

21st Century Library functions

LIBRARY CATALOGUE                                                                    INFORMATION https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/library-catalogue/                                  https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/information/                  BIBLIOGRAPHY                                                                         ICT IN LIBRARIES https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/bibliography/                      https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/ict-in-library/   LIBRARY AUTOMATION                                                            LIBRARY RESOURCES https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/library-automation/                                                                    https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/library-resources/     RESOURCE SHARING                                                                 LIBRARY MATERIALS https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/resource-sharing/                              https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/library-materials/     REFERENCE SERVICE                                                         COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/reference-service/                                                                https://www.lisedunetwork.com/tag/collection-development/

 

       

Skills required by a 21st-century librarian/ Library worker

* Adobe                                                        * Computer Networking

* Content Management Systems        * File Management Issues                      

* Image Editing/Scanning                     * Integrated Library Systems-Back End N/A

* Linux/Unix                                              * Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint

* Relational Databases                          * Server Set Up/Maintenance

* Digital Editing                                        * Adobe Flash

* Computer Security                               * Course Management Systems (Blackboard & Moodle)

* Integrated Library Systems              * Video Conferencing

Conclusion

In this “4^th Industrial Revolution era”, librarians and patrons need to continuously acquire & upgrade new technological knowledge & skills to keep up with the latest trends. All inventions nowadays come in digital versions or formats. As a society, we need to understand what is known as a paradigm shift, whereby we are moving from a paper-based to a paperless society. This shift has brought many changes in the whole aspect of a library. For example, we now have libraries with no walls (Online Libraries) which facilitates access wherever you are 24/7.

Kindly click on the below links for further reading:

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/impact-technological-change-business-activity-2191.html

https://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/industrial-revolution

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/big-history-project/acceleration/bhp-acceleration/a/the-industrial-revolution

https://www.lisedunetwork.com/ict-skills-for-lis-professionals/

https://web.colby.edu/st112a-fall18/2018/09/07/the-past-present-and-future-of-technology/

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/09/fourth-industrial-revolution/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the blogging team

by the Bloggers Team

Why blog? After a workshop a few years ago the UKZN library decided that creating a library blog would be a useful addition to the range of communication channels it uses to reach its wide range of users. A set of rules and a code of ethics were established, parameters discussed and a roster drawn up. All subject librarians and heads of departments are on the roster. Two blogs a month are posted.

An editorial team under the leadership of Ms Faith Magwaza, principal librarian for Humanities was set up to guide bloggers, proofread and support the process – and yes we have the T shirt!

The merits of blogging are often listed as including strengthening one’s knowledge, being creative, helping others, sharing with colleagues, building confidence in writing skills, writing about one’s interests and passions, creating awareness, meeting like-minded people or just enjoying this forum and so on. For some UKZN subject librarians writing is a daunting task and blogging is a challenging venture but as time goes by skills are improving and although most of the blogs to date are on quite serious and on work related topics, staff are stepping up to the challenge as they gain confidence.

The editorial committee comprises subject librarians from each campus. The Edgewood rep is Mukesh Kemraj who says this about being on the team: ”I like being part of the team as it showcases the library staff’s talent and broadens an individual’s understanding of the library profession as a whole.”

      Mukesh Kemraj (Edgewood)

Ashika Pramlal (Westville)

Says Ashika Pramlal, the Westville library representative “As a member of the editorial team this has been a “learning curve” for me. Reading the blogs of colleagues has been a most humbling experience and I am touched by the talent and enthusiasm of bloggers thus far. I have learnt a lot being part of the blog team and it has been an enjoyable and enriching experience.”

The Pietermaritzburg contingent of representatives comprises Rose Kuhn, Jillian Viljoen, Renee Damonse and Shorba Harkhu. “We enjoy group work and reading our colleague’s postings!” Rose, Jillian and Renee are based in the main library and Shorba is based at the Life Sciences Library.

Pmb Cecil Renaud: Renee; Jillian and Rose

Pmb Life sciences: Shorba

Howard College has 3 representatives on the editorial team. Nonjabulo Ngcobo, Subject Librarian for Humanities has this to say about being on the team:  “I am a member of the Bloggers Team, and my role is editorial which is basically the checking of the content of the blogs objectively and provide criticism without tearing down the work of the writers/ authors. I am very thankful and blessed for working with a wonderful team as I gain new knowledge every time we meet and by reading other writers blogs.”

Also from EG Malherbe library is Nontobeko Sikhosana who feels that: “being part of the blogging team has been a wonderful experience for me; I have learnt new and interesting things through other colleagues’ write-ups. Blogging is brain opening, it is fun to hear what other people think and feel, and it is an effective way to share ideas with each other.”

Nontobeko Sikhosana (EGM library)

Nonjabulo Ngcobo   (EGM Library)

              

And finally, from Faith Magwaza: “As a part of the blogging team I co-ordinate all the activities of the Blog. My positive experience on the team is seeing the talent and commitment of bloggers in submitting their blogs on time and openly accepting the comments of the editorial team. One of the successes of the team is that Library blogs are now available on the UKZN Facebook page."

To see all the blogs go to: http://libwebteam.blogspot.com/

For a list of subject librarians, their disciplines and contact details go to: http://library.ukzn.ac.za/SubjectLibrarians772.aspx

“MAKERSPACES” IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES… A VISION FOR UKZN LIBRARIES!

by Claudette Kercival Mukesh Kemrajh.

Of late, there has been tremendous interest in “makerspaces” and their potential in libraries: from school and public libraries to academic and special libraries, the topic seems very much the flavour of the moment. Makerspaces and varying new technologies are exciting services now being offered in libraries, particularly  academic libraries. However, as with all new ventures these come with their own challenges and successes. This initiative speaks not only to the reconfiguration of available space but also to the training of library staff to work collaboratively with faculty and the Information Technology sector of the university in sustaining this endeavour. It is essential that staffing models of the makerspaces are carefully examined before implementation. (H. Moorefield-Lang, 2015; Wong & Partridge, 2016)

WHAT IS IT?

Makerspaces encompass a continuum of activity that includes “co-working,” “hackerspace,” and “fab

lab”; the common thread running through each is a focus on making rather than merely consuming. It is important to note that although the terms are often incorrectly used as if they were synonymous, in practice they are very different: for example, a fab lab is about fabrication  (Colegrove, 2013).

The idea of having a place to make things isn’t new. Workshops, garages, studios, sewing rooms and backyards have long been spaces for making. The term makerspace though, has only been in use since the publication of Make magazine in 2005, and the subsequent launch of Maker Faire, an event that demonstrated the popularity of making and showcasing new technologie.

(Wong & Partridge, 2016).

University makerspaces are places where students and staff can learn new things, work with their peers, consider new ideas, explore, tinker, invent and make. According to Matthews (as cited in Filal, 2017), the future of libraries is about a user community engaging to create content and using it for “community building, connecting people, engaging students, assisting researchers, and advancing knowledge production”.

WHY THE NEED?

Recent trends in Librarianship point to themes of crafting, artisans, creators, and makers in library spaces.

One of these trends is the Maker Movement, which calls for the return of the artisans, creators and makers and for ways libraries can support these movements and entrepreneurs (Filar Williams & Folkman, 2017)

Libraries are on a never-ending continuum to get their users to the library and this makerspace initiative creates that impetus. So why have a makerspace? Whilst bringing together innovators, thinkers, and creators, these spaces critically require physical space, an integrated plan and all the necessary resources including staff and finances. This ‘fight or flight” state libraries face today, has libraries fighting to stay responsive to the ever-changing needs of its users.  (Fourie & Meyer, 2015)

Makerspaces provide an opportunity for libraries to build upon services they already offer while reaching out to students and faculty who do not frequent the library on a daily basis. By implementing a makerspace in the campus library, the space is seen as more neutral and approachable by students and staff from all academic departments. Broadly interpreting what a makerspace needs to be, allows institutions the opportunity to match the space to the specific needs of their student body, while leaving room for the space to change and grow over time. The smaller scale implementation of makerspaces and collaboration technology provide institutions with a testing ground for future trends and can encourage academic departments to independently adopt new instruction trends in the classroom. In addition to the services provided by the space, students benefit from the opportunity to participate in a more creative, kinesthetic style of learning that stimulates their decision-making skills.(Lee, 2017)

WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE ROLE-PLAYERS?

Plans are afoot at UKZN libraries to consider implementing “makerspaces” for collaborative research

and entrepreneurial efforts by students and academics.

Students or researchers trying to understand or make sense of a chemical model or novel protein strand are able to not only visualize and manipulate the subject on a two-dimensional screen, but to relatively quickly print a real-world model to be able to and tangibly explore the subject from all angles (Colegrove, 2013).

Individuals synthesizing knowledge across disciplinary boundaries are able to interact with members of communities of practice in a non-threatening environment; learning, developing and testing ideas, developing rapid prototypes in software or physical media, with the assistance of a librarian to resources and advice regarding intellectual property opportunities or concerns (Colegrove, 2013).

Depending on constraints and the available support, the library may also be well-served by forming collaborative ties with other local makerspaces; having local partners can dramatically improve the options available to the library in day-to-day practice, and better inform the library as it takes well-chosen incremental steps. With hackerspace/co-working/fab lab resources aligned with the traditional resources of the library, engagement with one can lead naturally to the other in an explosion of innovation and creativity  (Colegrove, 2013)

Where do librarians learn all of the skills that it takes to run a makerspace? What happens if a librarian doesn’t know how to fix a 3d printer? Where do they turn if they know nothing about laser cutting, knitting, making purses from books, or building worlds in virtual realities? Every librarian who started a makerspace asked themselves these questions, then found resources, peers, and online aids to get them started with their maker learning locations. Having an adventurous spirit can also help (Moorefield-Lang, 2015).

CHALLENGES FOR MAKERSPACES

In order for libraries to transform and remain relevant, library management and staff must rethink the library culture as well as what job skills are needed to be successful in this maker environment. The willingness of staff to be open to changes is important, but the library environment or culture, along with the support for staff to gain the skills through informal or formal education, conferences, networking with others, and learning by doing, is a must. This openness to constant change, innovative ideas, and new knowledge will move libraries forward and better serve their communities (Filar Williams & Folkman, 2017).This initiative calls for a solid understanding of the library’s user community, the ability to collaborate, and to serve diverse people as each community’s needs are unique. (Koh & Abbas, 2015).

A challenge is the need to communicate that makerspaces are for all University patrons across disciplines not only for engineering students. Lee (2017), identifies additional challenges for makerspaces implementation. The first, is the cost, when technology and spaces are integrated. The second challenge is the actual separation of the space itself. For example, will someone have to give up part of their office space, or will certain departments need to be relocated? The third challenge is how the space will be governed and shared. A makerspace needs to reflect the needs of the students and be able to draw them into the space through their individual interests. The last challenge is the training of staff on new technologies in such a way that the new makerspace can be adequately staffed, with knowledgeable personnel who can facilitate learning. Initially, the makerspace will probably need to have limited hours for patrons, but as its popularity grows, so will the need to hire more staff and provide training.

REFERENCES

Colegrove, P. T. (2013). Editorial board thoughts: Libraries as makerspace? Information Technology and Libraries, 32(1), 2. doi:10.6017/ital.v32i1.3793

Filar Williams, B., & Folkman, M. (2017). Librarians as makers. Journal of Library Administration, 57(1), 17-35.

Fourie, I., & Meyer, A. (2015). What to make of makerspaces: Tools and DIY only or is there an interconnected information resources space? Library Hi Tech, 33(4), 519-525. doi:10.1108/LHT-09-2015-0092

Koh, K., & Abbas, J. (2015). Competencies for Information professionals in learning labs and makerspaces. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 56(2), 114-129.

Lee, R. J. (2017). Campus-library collaboration with makerspaces. Public Services Quarterly, 13(2), 108-116.

Moorefield-Lang, H. (2015). Change in the making: Makerspaces and the ever-changing landscape of libraries. TechTrends, 59(3), 107-112.

Moorefield-Lang, H. M. (2015). User agreements and makerspaces: a content analysis. New Library World, 116(7/8), 358-368. doi:doi:10.1108/NLW-12-2014-0144

Wong, A., & Partridge, H. (2016). Making as learning: Makerspaces in universities. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 47(3), 143-159.