Competency H
Demonstrate proficiency in identifying, using, and evaluating current and emerging information and communication technologies
Understanding the Competency
Competency H focuses on the ability of information professionals to identify, use, and evaluate current and emerging information and communication technologies within professional practice. Technology now shapes nearly every aspect of information. As a result information professionals must develop more than a basic familiarity with digital tools. They must cultivate the ability to recognize technological developments that are relevant to their work, and apply those tools in meaningful ways.
Within libraries, archives, and cultural heritage organizations, information technologies function as the infrastructure through which users discover and interact with information resources. Digital repositories rely on complex technological systems that must be carefully selected and maintained. As Christine Borgman (2015) explains, modern information environments depend upon “knowledge infrastructures” that connect people, technologies, and institutions in dynamic ways. Understanding how these infrastructures operate is a fundamental skill for information professionals.
Competency H requires both technical and analytical skills. Identifying technologies involves recognizing emerging tools that may improve communication or engagement with information resources. Using technologies involves applying those tools in practical contexts such as website creation, multimedia production, or digital information services. Evaluating technologies requires critical thinking about their effectiveness, and their accessibility to the community the information professional serves. These three actions work together to support responsible technological decision-making.
During my MLIS program at San José State University, I developed this competency through projects that required me to design digital content, create online communication tools, and build web-based interfaces. These experiences reinforced that technology in information environments should never be adopted solely because it is innovative. Instead, technological decisions must be grounded in user needs and the long-term goals of the organization.
Why It Matters to the Profession
The ability to understand and evaluate emerging technologies has become central to the mission of the information profession. Libraries and archives increasingly rely on digital systems to deliver services.
Emerging technologies also influence how information is produced and shared within society more broadly. Luciano Floridi (2014) argues that contemporary societies operate within an “infosphere” in which digital technologies shape the creation and circulation of knowledge. Floridi says, “infosphere is a concept that can also be used as synonymous with reality, once we interpret the latter informationally. In this case, the suggestion is that what is real is informational and what is informational is real.” Information professionals play an important role in helping communities navigate these technological mediated environments. In understanding digital tools and platforms, librarians and archivists can guide users toward reliable information while supporting equitable access to digital resources.
At the same time, technological adoption requires careful evaluation. Not every new platform or system is appropriate for every institution. Libraries must consider financial costs, accessibility requirements, staff expertise, and long-term sustainability before implementing new technologies. David Lankes (2016) emphasizes that the mission of libraries is to improve communities through knowledge and participation rather than simply through the adoption of technology itself. He advises that “all libraries are about community.” Technologies should therefore serve institutional goals rather than define them.
Competency H reflects this balance between innovation and responsibility. Information professionals must remain aware of emerging tools while also maintaining critical judgment about how those tools affect their communities. Through thoughtful technological adoption, information environments can enhance services while maintaining their commitment to equitable information access.
Awareness of Emerging Technology in an Information Environment
Modern information environments are shaped by rapidly evolving technological systems. Digital publishing platforms, multimedia tools, web development frameworks, and collaborative online environments all influence how information professionals communicate with users and present information resources. Developing awareness of emerging technologies, therefore, requires continuous learning and experimentation.
One important aspect of technological awareness involves understanding how digital tools influence information discovery and interpretation. As Safiya Noble (2018) demonstrates in her research on digital information systems, technological platforms are not neutral containers of information. Instead, they reflect design choices that influence how users encounter and understand knowledge. Information professionals must recognize these influences when evaluating technological tools that could shape user experiences.
Digital communication technologies also create new opportunities for engagement and knowledge sharing. Multimedia platforms allow information professionals to present information in ways that are more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. These new platforms require information professionals to remain adaptable. Continuous professional development is essential, because tools and services evolve quickly. Digital information systems require ongoing maintenance and adaptation in order to remain functional and relevant over time. Awareness of emerging technologies is an ongoing process of observation, experimentation, and evaluation.
Impact of Emerging Technology on Information Organization
Emerging technologies influence how information organizations structure their services, communicate with communities, and manage information resources. Decisions about digital platforms and tools shape both the internal operations of institutions and the external experiences of users.
Within organizations, technological systems affect varying workflows. Implementing a new digital platform may require staff training, technical maintenance, and ongoing evaluation to ensure that the system remains functional and effective. Institutions must therefore balance innovation with sustainability. For example, a technology that is visually impressive but difficult to maintain may ultimately hinder service delivery rather than support it.
Technology also shapes how organizations present themselves to the public. A well-designed website or digital platform can improve user access to information services, while strengthening institutional transparency and communication. Conversely, poorly designed digital interfaces may create barriers that discourage users from engaging with library resources. Information professionals, therefore, play a critical role in shaping user experiences through thoughtful technological design.
Ultimately, emerging technologies influence how information institutions fulfill their missions. Libraries and archives exist to connect communities with knowledge, cultural memory, and educational resources. When technologies are carefully selected and implemented, they can expand access and support new forms of learning and collaboration. Competency H reflects the responsibility of information professionals to ensure that technological innovation strengthens rather than disrupts the core values of the profession.
Evidence 1
The first piece of evidence demonstrating my mastery of Competency H is a YouTube video I created exploring Solarpunk themes within video games for INFO 200: Information Communities (Spring 2023). This project involved researching the concept of Solarpunk, identifying relevant video game examples, and presenting the information through a narrated video essay. I recorded my screen, edited the footage, and provided the narration myself. The final video was then published as part of my professional portfolio website (which will be analyzed in Evidence 2).
Link: https://www.mickaylamcdowell.com/writing/solarpunk-video-games
Description of the Artifact
This project required the use of several digital technologies in order to transform research into a multimedia format. I began by conducting background research on the Solarpunk movement, and identifying video games that reflected its themes of sustainability, ecological balance, and cooperative social futures. After gathering my research, I developed a script that explains the concept of Solarpunk, and highlighted several games that reflect these ideas.
Once the research and script were completed, I used screen recording software to capture footage of the video games and supporting visual material. Screen recording allowed me to visually demonstrate the gameplay environments and aesthetic elements that connect these games to the broader Solarpunk philosophy. This process required careful planning in order to ensure that the visuals aligned with the narrative structure of the video.
After recording the footage, I edited the material into a cohesive video presentation. Editing required selecting appropriate clips, arranging them in a logical sequence, and synchronizing the visual content with my narration. I recorded the narration myself in order to guide viewers through the topic, and provide context for the examples shown in the video. The editing process required balancing visual material with spoken explanation so that the video was both engaging and informative. The softwares used for this process included OBS Studio for screen & voice recording, and Adobe Premiere for editing.
The final product was uploaded to YouTube, and integrated into my professional website. Publishing the video online allowed the project to function as a publicly accessible educational resource and a course assignment. Through this format, the video demonstrates how multimedia technologies can be used to communicate research and interpret information for a broader audience.
Justification and Connection to the Competency
This artifact demonstrates my ability to identify, use, and evaluate emerging communication technologies within an information environment. The project required identifying YouTube, OBS Studio, and Adobe Premiere as effective tools for presenting research in a multimedia format. Video platforms have become an important medium for educational communication, allowing complex ideas to be explained through visual and auditory storytelling. Recognizing the potential of this format was an important step in translating traditional research into a more accessible digital form.
This project also reflects my ability to use these technologies in a practical context. Creating the video required developing technical skills related to screen recording, video editing, audio recording, and digital publishing. Each stage of the process required thoughtful decisions about how information should be presented. Visual examples were carefully selected to support the narrative explanation, and the editing process ensured that the final video maintained a clear and coherent structure.
Equally important was the evaluation of the technology itself. Video platforms such as YouTube have become powerful tools for public education and information dissemination. However, their effectiveness depends on how content is structured and presented. Through this project I gained experience considering how pacing, visual clarity, and narration influence a viewer's ability to understand information. These considerations reflect the broader responsibility of information professionals to design digital content that supports learning and accessibility.
More broadly, the project illustrates how emerging communication technologies can expand the ways in which information professionals share knowledge. Traditional academic writing remains an important format for scholarly communication, yet multimedia formats allow information to reach audiences who may not engage with written scholarship. By creating a narrated video that combines research with visual storytelling, I explored how digital media can support new forms of knowledge sharing within contemporary information environments.
This artifact demonstrates that technological proficiency in the information profession involves more than technical ability alone. It requires thoughtful consideration of how digital tools shape the communication of knowledge. Through this project, I developed practical experience using multimedia technology to present research while reflecting on how digital platforms influence the accessibility and interpretation of information.
Evidence 2
The second piece of evidence demonstrating my mastery of Competency H is my professional website and e-portfolio, which I created and maintained through the Squarespace platform. This site functions as a central location for my academic work, professional writing, and research projects completed during my MLIS program. This website wasn’t created for any class, rather was created independently to communicate my developing expertise in archives, digital media, and information environments.
Link: https://www.mickaylamcdowell.com/
Description of the Artifact
I created this website independently as a way to organize and present my professional and academic work in a cohesive digital format. Rather than relying solely on traditional documents to showcase my work, I chose to build an online portfolio that would allow my projects, writing, and research to be publicly accessible. This decision reflects the increasing role that digital communication platforms play in professional environments.
The site was developed using Squarespace, a web publishing platform that provides tools for building and managing websites without requiring extensive programming knowledge. The platform allows users to design page layouts, integrate multimedia content, and organize information through a content management system. Using these tools I structured the site to include sections dedicated to my writing, video, and professional portfolio materials. Designing the website required careful attention to information organization and user experience, as the site needed to present information clearly while allowing visitors to navigate between sections without confusion. Each section presents examples of my work, while illustrating the skills I have developed during my MLIS program.
Maintaining the site is an ongoing process. As new projects are completed, they are incorporated into the existing structure of the website. This process reinforces that digital information environments evolve over time. The website continues to grow as my academic and professional experiences expand.
Justification and Connection to the Competency
This artifact demonstrates my ability to identify technologies that support digital communication within the information profession. When deciding how to present my work, I evaluated several options before selecting a website platform as the most effective medium. A digital portfolio allows projects to be presented in a dynamic and accessible format that can incorporate multiple forms of media. Identifying an appropriate platform required considering usability, design flexibility, and long-term maintainability.
The creation of the website also demonstrates my ability to use web publishing technology to build a functional information environment. Constructing the site required translating a collection of independent projects into a coherent digital structure that users could easily navigate. This process involved organizing pages, integrating multimedia content, and designing a layout that supports readability and accessibility.
Equally important was the evaluation of the platform's effectiveness. A professional portfolio must communicate information clearly to a diverse audience of varying professional backgrounds. Throughout the development of the site, I assessed how well the platform supported user navigation and information clarity. These evaluations informed frequent adjustments to the site.
More broadly, the website illustrates how digital publishing technologies have become central tools for information professionals. Libraries, archives, and cultural heritage organizations increasingly rely on websites and digital platforms to communicate services, share knowledge, and provide access to information resources. By independently designing and maintaining this website I gained practical experience using and evaluating the kinds of digital communication tools that shape modern information environments.
Evidence 3
The third piece of evidence demonstrating my mastery of Competency H is the website I created for a fictional library in INFO 240: Information Technology, Tools & Applications (Fall 2023). This project involved designing and building a functional library website from scratch using web development technologies, including HTML and CSS.
Link:https://senna.sjsu.edu/aromanik/FA23-INFO-240/mcdowellmfinalproject/index.php
Description of the Artifact
The McDowell Library website was designed to represent the digital presence of a community library. The goal of the project was to create an online environment that reflects the types of services typically offered by public libraries, while demonstrating how those services can be communicated through a digital interface. The site includes several informational sections that provide details about the library's collections and services. Visitors to the site can browse books and audiobooks, explore library services, review meeting room information, and contact the library through digital forms.
The structure of the website was developed using HTML for the content and page layout, CSS for visual styling, and JavaScript to support interactive elements. These technologies form the foundation of most modern websites. Writing the code required developing an understanding of how page structure, navigation systems, and design elements interact within a digital environment. Each page was created individually, then connected through a consistent navigation system that allows users to move between sections of the site
Several features were designed to reflect real library services. The site includes pages that allow users to browse recommended book collections, learn about library technology services, and explore meeting room availability. The meeting room section includes detailed information about rental policies and room capacities. The site also includes interactive forms that allow users to submit purchase suggestions, propose library programs, or volunteer for community activities. These forms simulate the kind of digital services libraries increasingly provide to support community engagement.
Accessibility and usability were important considerations during the design process. Images include alternative text descriptions so that the site remains accessible to users who rely on screen reading technologies. The navigation structure was designed to remain consistent across pages so that visitors can locate information easily. These features reflect the broader responsibility of information professionals to ensure that digital environments remain usable for a diverse community of users.
Another component of the site is an embedded event calendar that displays library programming. This feature demonstrates how external digital tools can be integrated into a website to support community communication. By incorporating a calendar platform into the site, the design reflects how libraries frequently use digital technologies to share information about events and services.
Justification and Connection to the Competency
The artifact demonstrates my ability to identify technologies that support digital information services within libraries. Designing the “McDowell Library” website required recognizing that web development technologies provide an effective platform for communicating library resources and services. Websites have become essential communication tools for libraries, because they allow institutions to present information and interact with users outside of physical library spaces.
The project also reflects my ability to use these technologies in a practical context. Writing the code for the site required understanding how HTML structures information, how CSS controls visual presentation, and how JavaScript supports interactive elements. Through this process I gained experience designing a digital environment that mirrors the structure and functionality of a real website–though admittedly it’s a bit rudimentary.
This project illustrates how emerging web technologies shape the digital presence of modern information institutions. Libraries increasingly rely on websites to communicate services, support community engagement, and provide access to resources. By creating a fully functional library website from scratch, I developed practical experience with the technologies that underlie many contemporary information systems. This artifact demonstrates that technological proficiency within the information profession requires both technical knowledge and thoughtful evaluation of how digital tools support access to information.
Conclusion
The artifacts presented in this portfolio demonstrate how Competency H has shaped my ability to identify, use, and evaluate emerging information and communication technologies within professional practice. Through the creation of a narrated YouTube video, the development of an independent professional website, and the construction of a fully coded library website, I gained experience working with multiple forms of digital communication technology. Each project required thoughtful consideration of how technological tools influence the presentation and accessibility of information. These experiences reinforced that technology in information environments should not be adopted solely because it is innovative. Instead, information professionals must evaluate whether technological tools effectively support user needs and align with the mission of their organizations.
In my future career, I expect to apply this competency in archival and cultural heritage environments that increasingly rely on digital systems to present collections and communicate with communities. Digital exhibits, online repositories, and multimedia interpretation tools have become essential methods for connecting users with historical materials. Developing the ability to understand and implement these technologies will allow me to support institutions that seek to expand access to cultural heritage while maintaining responsible stewardship of information resources. The projects included in this portfolio reflect my growing confidence in using digital tools to communicate knowledge and create accessible information environments.
Due to technological systems continuing to evolve rapidly, maintaining awareness of emerging tools will remain an important part of my professional development. In order to remain current, I plan to continue consulting professional literature and resources from the American Library Association and the Society of American Archivists, while also continuing to engage with education on emerging technologies and interactive design. As Mathews (2014) writes, “We can’t map our value to outdated needs and practices, but instead, must intertwine ourselves with what’s needed next. It’s time to innovate.” Ongoing professional learning will allow me to refine my technological skills while ensuring that the systems I help implement remain aligned with the values of the information profession.
References
Borgman, C. L. (2015). Big data, little data, no data: Scholarship in the networked world. MIT Press.
Floridi, L. (2014). The fourth revolution: How the infosphere is reshaping human reality. Oxford University Press.
Lankes, R. D. (2016). The new librarianship field guide. MIT Press.
Mathews, B. (2014). Think like a startup: A white paper to inspire library entrepreneurialism. Journal of Library Administration, 54(4), 317–328. https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/77d2cb98-ddab-4543-9e47-b011819231b3/content
Noble, S. U. (2018). Algorithms of oppression: How search engines reinforce racism. NYU Press.
