Department of Library Technology

Department Mission

The mission of the Wright College Library Technology Assistant(LTA) Program is to provide instruction in the necessary professional skills, progressive maturity , and the intellectual, social, and ethical values crucial to make students valuable members of the library community .Our mission is to educate the student to become a holistic and professional person. This demands not only education in the art and science of library technology, but a focus on the broader, humanistic values. Students will not only be evaluated on their knowledge but on specific skills as well. This can lead students to employment as support staff or assistants to professional librarians in cataloging, multi-media or information services of public, private, industrial, or school libraries.

Department Goals

The program mission is further defined in the following goals:

1. to provide the library community with a graduate possessing the knowledge and skills to function capably in the library environment.
2. to provide an educationally supportive environment where questioning is accepted and expected develop communication habits
3. expose students to technological tools

Student Learning Outcomes/Objectives

Below are the learning outcomes that the library technology student must master in keeping with the program mission and goals. These outcomes serve to guide the student toward fulfilling the program goals. They form the basis for measuring what the student has accomplished upon completion of the program. These program outcomes provide the foundation for specific course objectives, found in the syllabus of every library technology course. Upon completion of the library technology program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Commit to standards of personal and professional integrity , honesty and fairness and to assess  the range of one's abilities, accept responsibility for setting realistic goals, and implement a plan  for personal and professional well-being.
2. Recognize the need for increased self-development through participation in continuing education activities.
3. Know the organizations, journals and terminology of the field.
4. Identify significant developments in the history , organization and function of various types of libraries.
5. Define the role of the Library Technical Assistant
6. Self-assess skills obtained and utilize tools provided for securing employment.
7. To communicate utilizing oral, written and listening skills to effectively interact with others.
8. Differentiate between general policy and policies established to meet the needs of the special clientele served by a particular library.
9. Provide services for diverse clientele in various types of libraries
10. Analyze and evaluate information and utilize a variety of resources in making decisions or solving     problems.
11. Demonstrate knowledge of not only why something needs to be accomplished, but how.
12. Analyze reference inquires and be familiar with the theory , practice and principles of a successful reference interview.
13. Prioritize, meet deadlines and complete assignments in a timely manner; adapt to a constantly     changing workload and environment; and identify realistic goals and inventions for short and long     term planning
14. Conduct a logical, efficient search in a precise, timely and accurate manner .
15. Identify, Select, Analyze, Evaluate, Organize and Use materials (Books, periodicals and audio visual) & library tools.
16. Collaborate with others toward the accomplishment of common goals.
17. Define roles and responsibilities as a member of the team.
18. Use technology and understand its value and purpose in the workplace.
19. Differentiate between manual, computer, and outsourced tasks