Abstract

The need for digital skills is a major concern of educators and institutions that carry out training programs. In 2013, after several initiatives that attempted to define digital skills characteristics, the European Commission published a proposal for a common framework for digital competences, identifying five areas with a total of 21 skills. This framework is gradually gaining acceptance and is taken as a reference in many European educational initiatives. In Spain, use of the framework by the Instituto Nacional de Tecnologías Educativas y de Formación del Profesorado (Intefp) of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport is highlighted.

Abstract

To explore the relative failure of libraries in the social we, the ideas of community and networking are compared, considering the associated concepts of cognitive surplus and network behavior aswell. The environment is one of a changing universe of almost instant obsolescence, where everything is for sale -especially to users, who give up their privacy. The conclusion: the keys to unlock the language of the network must be mastered in order to take advantage of the benefits and confront potential threats.

Abstract

This paper aims to reflect the growing importance of the term "digital humanities", whether defined as a disciplinary field, a training profile or a movement linked to open access. Although closely related to library and information science, digital humanities is often used in projects without the collaboration of libraries. Developing specific support centres is one way to facilitate libraries' cooperation and participation in digital humanities projects.

Abstract

Since the Apple Store opened in 2008, apps have become an interesting business model for developers and a fun way to spread the features of handheld devices (mobile phones, smartphones and tablets). Libraries are beginning to explore them to provide content and services. This articles describes some of these initiatives and their potential benefits, with a focus on the search for value-added solutions.

Abstract

Smartphones have implemented augmented reality applications, with virtual layers overlapping real images. One of the uses of augmented reality is to display information related to the place where we are, superimposed on an image of reality (captured from the camera of the device). Although it may seem complex, it is easy for any internet user to publish location-based content through augmented reality browsers like Layar or Wikitude. This text sets out some ways to do it.

Abstract

Libraries are trying out mobile technologies and looking for applications of smartphones and tablets that can improve library services and professional practice. Through the analysis of the first experiences, professional literature and direct contact with professionals, some common errors have been detected. They are listed and explained in this text in order to serve as a starting point for professional discussion and reflection.

Abstract

The results of studies on changes in the ecosystem of information and communication in the digital age are discussed., including how to use internet and mobile phones to work, play and interact through social networks. This new environment has changed the way libraries and librarians serve their users. The need for libraries to become “nodes” of the social networks of citizens is addressed.

Abstract

Participation and communication with users are the key elements that distinguish social media from regular web sites. This article analyzes the interaction on Facebook pages of Spanish university libraries both from a quantitative and qualitative focus. On the one hand, the number of followers of the page are analyzed, as well as the number of likes, shared and comments on publications. On the other hand, publications are also examined in qualitative terms according to their topic and contents. The results obtained show a low level of interaction and followers in most of the pages, which deliver mostly informative contents. These data allow to conclude that there are no conversations or virality, so it is recommended to consider interaction as a key point on libraries’ social media strategy.

Abstract

The year we left behind was marked by a growing interest in mobile devices as a way to access content, from searching the internet to reading e-books. While we are in a time of incipient adoption of these devices, expectations placed on them include breaking the digital divide and becoming the main form of web access in the future. In the field of libraries, the initiatives in Spain are still timid and have set their sights mainly on the loan of e-book readers and content adaptation. A current outlook on mobile devices is sketched out, focusing on the Spanish area and the possibilities presented to its libraries.