Chapter 7: Information Technology and Library


As we state in our mission, "Millersville University seeks to prepare its students to live in an increasingly . . . technologically complex society." "Information technology" is the second theme of our vision, which states, "Information technology will stimulate and broaden intellectual, social, personal, and cultural growth." In order for our students to lead productive lives, they must understand the role that information technology is playing in society and be able to use technology as a learning tool.

This chapter considers Millersville's information technology infrastructure and its library resources and services. It specifically considers the technological competencies our students need, the integration of technology into the learning process, using technology to expand access to our programs and services, the library's support of our educational programs, and the effectiveness of the library's instruction program.

To respond to the educational challenges of emerging technologies, in 1996 the President appointed a Technology Vision Task Force to articulate our vision for information technology and outline a plan to achieve that vision. The vision and outline that the task force submitted (Appendix 7-1) focus on integrating emerging information technologies into the teaching and learning environment. They include both short-term (12 months) and long-range (up to five-year) recommendations.

One of the task force's key recommendations was that we institute a new organizational structure for information technology, combining Academic Computing (housed within the Academic Affairs division) and Computing & Information Technologies (housed within the Finance & Administration division) into one entity reporting to a new Vice President for Information Technology. This recommendation was accepted, and a successful search was completed in 1998. The new Information Technology division has enabled us to support technology uniformly across campus, to improve delivery of instructional technology, and to plan for and respond to our needs in a comprehensive, cost-effective manner.

Ensuring Technological Competence

Integrating Information Technology into the Learning Process
     Faculty Development
     Resources
     Technical Staffing

Using Information Technology to Expand Access

Library Support of Educational Programs
     Library Liaison Program
     Networks, Consortia, and Affiliations

Supporting Information Literacy through Library Instruction

Conclusions and Recommendations
     Strengths
     Areas of Concern
     Recommendations
     Suggestions