The 21st century librarian as a leader in applying emerging technologies in information management and information service delivery

Abstract

Technological innovations have allowed people to access information from diverse sources, some with questionable authenticity and credibility. This proliferation of information has changed the way information is managed and delivered, challenging not only those who use information but also the role librarians in this new dispensation (Jurkowski 2006). However, emerging technologies provide librarians with opportunities to manage and deliver current information through a virtual environment. This requires not only the knowledge of emerging technology tools but also skills on how to use these tools. Librarians need to take up leadership roles in both knowing these tools and acquiring skills on how to use them in managing and delivering information services. This will allow librarians to develop proficiency in emerging technologies and become relevant and useful in the digital information world, where users are becoming more comfortable in using technology. This paper discusses how librarians assume leadership in using emerging technologies such as the jing screen capture, web curators (scoop. it) Google drive, Google docs, and delicious for managing and delivering information services to enhance collaboration, information sharing, and self-directed learning. The article is based on the review of literature from Mzuzu University subscription databases, subscription databases from university of Central Missouri, USA and free web article from the internet