When I enrolled in LSC 548, it was a course that I wanted to take as I have always been interested in web development and learning about librarianship through the mind of an Information Architect. Prior to the course, the term "information architect" was a term that I did not see correlate with a librarian. Now, I have a better understanding of how valuable an IA is to libraries, as they are involved in "designing, integrating, and aggregating information spaces to create usable systems or interfaces" (Ding, Lin & Zarro, 2008, p. 4). In the digital era, the role of an IA works in the back-end of libraries and their roles are tied closely to web design. This is where user-centered designs are necessary in the work of an IA, as they need to be able to create webs that would be interactive and responsive for users. Usability testing is necessary for IAs, as they can understand the way users interact with their websites and using their feedback to improve the website. In learning about usability testing, this was also one of the labs in the course that I was fond of doing. As I had to run a usability test on the Boston Public Library, it was fun to have my family members be a part of the lab. Creating the test for my family was interesting as it not only allowed me to see how they interacted with the library' website, but it provided my first experience on overseeing a usability test. This was definitely one of the more memorable labs in the course.
From the knowledge I gained throughout the semester, I was able to further my skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, while learning about websites related to coding like Atom and FileZilla. Focusing on the coding programs first, I had prior knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript through Code Academy and through some friends that were Computer Science majors. I also used HTML in LSC 508, but this course helped learned how to combine all three programs to create a website. HTML was the easiest of the three, where learning to create the basic coding structures and elements were fun to do. Moving to CSS, it was pretty fun to place the codes from HTML onto a separate sheet and have it all in one location. It makes having the codes I created on an external style sheet easier, and I do not to create a duplicate code. JavaScript was difficult at first, but I started to understand it more and more about using the program. The element of creating a button was a hard to process, as one misstep can result in the code not working. While it was an arduous task to create the button element, it was such a rewarding feeling in completing the task as I was excited to see the code working properly.
I do not know my future will take me, but I can see myself succeeding as a digital librarian. Working in the back-end of libraries does interest me, as being involved in the technology side of libraries would be an interesting path that I can take. I would be interested in creating the functional responsive websites that users can use. I would need to further my skills if I want to be part in this area and working in an academic library would be the best option to venture in this career path. At the moment, I am looking at potential PFE's throughout universities in Boston that would develop my skills in digital scholarship. Web Development is a necessary skill that every librarian should have, and I am glad that I have taken part in this course.
Ding, W., Lin, X., & Zarro, M. (2017). Information architecture: The design and integration of information spaces (2nd ed.) [e-book version]. San Rafael, CA: Morgan & Claypool Publishers. doi 10.2200/S00755ED2V01Y201701ICR056