Syracuse University Libraries Licensing Principles

The Syracuse University Libraries Licensing Principles report is written by members of the Syracuse University Libraries Licensing Committee and the Syracuse University Libraries

Closing Keynote: When You’re the Bridled Horse

Doing more with less. Taking the reins off of your resources and pushing them to the max. Approaching problems as if you had infinite energies to spend. These paeans promote us to do our extreme best, but the stark truth is that limits do exist. We far too often miss the hidden labors that impact how much each of us can do. The labors vary based on individual diversity and life experiences. Using an intersectional lens and multiple examples, this talk will highlight what these hidden labors are and what actions, both technical and social, that we can do to support our patrons and colleagues to not only ease up on the bridled resources but promote greater inclusion and equity throughout libraries

The value of non-instrumental computer use: Skills acquisition, self-confidence, and community-based technology training

This study focuses on the usefulness of "playful" computer activities, such as social networking and gaming. When venues prioritize activities like word processing or spreadsheets while restricting gaming or social networking, they limit expectations of appropriate technology use and good stewardship of public monies. The quantitative and qualitative data in this study demonstrate that people who primarily use computers for non-instrumental purposes are generally as capable with computers as those who use them for instrumental purposes. It also illustrates that people who largely use computers for non-instrumental purposes gain skills that help them perform instrumental tasks. This suggests that embracing gaming and other leisure activities will allow novice users to acquire the experience necessary to build a range of computer competencies. Most important for computer skill acquisition is the variety of activities users engage in, not their formal training, and not whether they perform instrumental or non-instrumental activities