Erin Berman - Your Technology Outreach Adventure: Tools for Human-Centered Problem Solving

ALA Editions purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.

ERIN BERMAN is a librarian of international intrigue who, when not serving her community, enjoys late 1990s science fiction films, satirical art pieces, and friendly British baking championships.

2019 by the American Library Association

Extensive effort has gone into ensuring the reliability of the information in this book; however, the publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.

ISBNs

978-0-8389-1778-7 (paper)

978-0-8389-1787-9 (PDF)

978-0-8389-1786-2 (ePub)

978-0-8389-1788-6 (Kindle)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Berman, Erin, author.

Title: Your technology outreach adventure : tools for human-centered problem solving / Erin Berman.

Description: Chicago : ALA Editions, an imprint of the American Library Association, 2018. | Includes bibliographical references.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018024640| ISBN 9780838917787 (print : alk. paper) | ISBN 9780838917862 (epub) | ISBN 9780838917879 (pdf) | ISBN 9780838917886 (kindle)

Subjects: LCSH: Library outreach programs--United States. | Technological literacyStudy and teachingActivity programsUnited States. | LibrariesInformation technologyUnited States. | Libraries and communityUnited States.

Classification: LCC Z711.7 .B47 2018 | DDC 027.4/2dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018024640

Cover design by Krista Joy Johnson.

6 DESIGN THINKING EXERCISES
A PATH TO CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

7 PLANNING TECHNOLOGY-BASED OUTREACH
A DESIGN THINKING JOURNEY FROM START TO FINISH

8 TECHNOLOGY OUTREACH IN PRACTICE
REAL-WORLD CASE STUDIES

W hat does it mean to be technology literate in todays world? It is more than just understanding how to perform a Google search for a new apple pie recipe. Technology-literate citizens of the world are able to adapt quickly to changes. They are critical thinkers who explore creative uses of technology devices. Those who are technology literate do not have an innate fear of new devices; they are comfortable with failure and confident in trying new things. Technology-literate people no longer view new technology as magic; they understand how things work and know how to find answers when they face stumbling blocks. All of these factors lead to a citizenry that is excited about learning new technology and finding ways of integrating it into their everyday lives.

The twenty-first century has ushered in an era of integrated technology lifestyles. We live in a world where 77 percent of Americans have a smartphone in their pockets and 95 percent have a cellphone of some kind. We are connected to the global community in an unprecedented way. Technology now touches every part of our lives, whether we have embraced it or not. For many of us, our screens are the first thing we touch in the morning and the last thing we interact with before going to sleep. Technological devices are deeply embedded in our lives but are also in a constant state of flux. Every day a new update comes out, a new device is announced, and we all struggle to adapt to this quickly changing environment.

This rapid change creates excitement in many and anxiety in others. Technology has opened up a myriad of doors, unlocking access to nearly the entirety of human knowledge. Yet, it has also created barriers for those who are not in the know. Those who do not have the means or knowledge to keep up with the latest tech trends may find themselves quickly being left behind. Libraries have unlocked an opportunity to continue their work as the great equalizers of society by bringing technology literacy into their traditional programming repertoire.

Being technology literate is a critical part of successful living today. Many people experience a great deal of fear around technology, and this includes library staff. We are fearful of breaking something expensive, of embarrassing ourselves when what were trying to do doesnt work, of being unable to teach others how to use the technology themselves. Such fears are compounded when we consider bringing technology outside the librarys walls.

Although these are valid fears, they are ones we can overcome. Once we discover the technology needs of our communities, we can reframe how we approach teaching technology literacy. We begin by understanding that we are not teaching the technology itself. Instead, we are teaching critical thinking; technology is simply the tool we use to teach this process. Additionally, we are using the librarys resources to give people exposure to technology they may not be able to afford at home. This brings people into the connected world; they can put their hands on something they heard about in the news instead of just seeing it as another stumbling block to overcome.

Many libraries across the country have seen the need to develop technology literacy programming in their buildings. Libraries are building makerspaces, teaching coding, and hosting e-reader trainings. The people who come into the library seeking access to technology are gaining it! Yet, with so much fear surrounding technology, many are reluctant to seek help. Some people may not even feel comfortable in the library and so are not likely to visit, much less consider coming in for a program on a topic they know nothing about or even see a need for in their day-to-day lives. In-library programs can reach only the people who choose to come into the library.

Such limited audiences and the common fears surrounding technology present a unique opportunity for libraries. Librarians can now mix traditional outreach models with the technology programming we are already perfecting. By blending these services we can reach people in the spaces where they feel comfortable, such as churches or laundromats, parks or senior centers. By adopting technology outreach as a standard practice, we remove barriers to access. People will be more comfortable working with unfamiliar technology tools when they are in familiar spaces, and when they have permission to fail.

I designed this book to give you the tools you need to create strong technology-based outreach programming. Well begin with an exploration of outreach basics and the specific needs that come with adding technology to your outreach. Then, well look at human-centered design thinking through exercises that will teach you how to get to know your community and how to design outreach programs that keep people front and center. The tools that I present through these exercises will help to ease the technology fears your staff may feel, giving them a safe place to fail successfully. Last, well look at some real-world case studies of technology outreach programs from my work as Innovations Manager at the San Jos Public Library.

Reaching beyond the walls of our libraries is critical because our most at-need populations are often those who do not have access to our library buildings. This is especially true in rural locations or in areas with limited services. We have to meet people where they are. Libraries provide the platform that enables us to connect people to technology and to teach them critical thinking and creative problem solving. When we alleviate our fears about combining technology and outreach, doors will open to a whole new world of programming options. It is my hope that this book will help you to connect with your community in new ways, to approach solving problems with new tools, and to reach new populations through technology.