Library and Technology Services recently hired a new Instructional Design Expert, Kathy Cannon, to help the library keep pace with the growth of information technology. As part of Research and Instruction Services, Cannon will help support WebCT [and] the use of instructional technology explained Dave Wedaman, Associate Director for Research and Instruction Services.

Only having joined the Brandeis community within the last two weeks, Cannon did not give any speculation on any changes within LTS she wished to pursue, adding she was still finding out how Ill fit into things here. Before making the move to Brandeis, she worked in the Office of Distance Education at Boston University, where she worked extensively with WebCT Vista.

Some of my prior experience was in audio and video editing, Cannon said. I look forward to learning more about all of the library functions and finding out how I can best contribute to the Research & Instruction Services team within LTS.

Technological knowledge, Wedaman explained, is more important in libraries now than it has ever been before. Twenty years ago, if someone wanted to know a basic reference questionthe librarian would help them find the answer in a booknowadays people are using Google.

The challenge for [the library] is how to be useful in the context of todays technology, he said, adding that students now are not protected by the traditional way information was vetted and presented.”