Librarians learn about emerging technologies [1]
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 - 18:15. Updated on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 - 18:44.
A two-day workshop is being held in Nuku'alofa to introduce local librarians and teachers to emerging new technologies and new library information trends that is transforming the delivery of information today.
Hosted by the American Embassy in Suva, the 'Advanced Concepts in Information Management Workshop' is held to help participants to adapt and update themselves with advanced ways in which they can manage information, considering the new technologies and information trends and designs that are constantly transforming their service delivery and information sources.
The trainer Alka Bhatnagar who is the Regional Information Resource Officer of the Department of State based at the U.S Embassy in Tokyo, said one of the examples she demonstrated to participants was the use of video conferencing which can be done globally.
“We can have students in Tonga to talk to students in the U.S…or similarly students here can join students in Fiji to talk with students in the United States on a collective interest or topic say on American history and have an interactive conversation using this technology.”
She said the training is to build capacity information which means all the resources needed for information deployment including books and technology. She also shared her knowledge and experience as professional librarian having worked for many years in universities, cities and public libraries.
“In my regional capacity I will assess the needs of information in Tonga because I want to see what are the resources they can offer here and what I or the U.S Department of State can offer to improve the deployment of information in Tonga,” she said.
Meanwhile, 'Ofa Va'enuku the Resource Officer at the Tupou Tertiary Institute (TTI) said this was an important training for them because it would enhance their skills and knowledge on technology especially using the internet.
The workshop will include training on the new features of elibraryusa, a virtual library with online access to publications about the United States and education in the U.S among others.
Violet Taukave, the Director of the American Resource Center at the US Embassy in Suva, is also attending the workshop, at the American Corner in Fasi.