Nicole Hennig

Interests

Teaching

Emerging technologies, generative AI, online privacy and security

Research

Generative AI, voice computing, blockchain technologies for libraries, remote working, accessibility with mobile devices.

Courses

No activities entered.

Scholarly Contributions

Books

• Hennig, N. (2018). Power Searching the Internet: The Librarian's Quick Guide. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.
  More info

  Learn how to help your library patrons deepen their internet searches to more effectively find information, images, videos, statistics, maps, books, definitions, translations, and more.You know how to dash off a quick Google search, but do you know how to go further with your searching to get everything you actually need?Written in an engaging, conversational tone, this handy guide introduces you to shortcuts and some of the hidden features and filters offered by many search tools—such as limiting by site, domain, or date—and to several free but little-known search tools. With concrete examples and practical how-to tips, you'll learn to effectively search Google, Wolfram Alpha, social media platforms, and other internet search tools—and how to teach your patrons to do the same. The information comprised in this volume can be easily shared with patrons to help them in their searches and may be used in information literacy courses.Features Conduct more effective Google searches Become familiar with hidden features and filters offered by many search tools Learn about several different free search tools and when to use each Teach patrons practices to independently find information
• Hennig, N. (2018). Privacy and Security Online: Best Practices for Cybersecurity. Chicago, IL: ALA TechSource.
  More info

  It seems that every day there is news of a security breach or invasion of privacy. From ransomware to widespread breaches of private data, the news is full of scare stories. Sometimes it seems that there is nothing that you can do to protect your data. Luckily, there are strategies you can implement and actions you can take to reduce your risk. You can learn to see beyond the hype of media scare stories and learn what’s worth paying attention to by following certain best practices. This issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 54, no. 3), “Privacy and Security Online: Best Practices for Cybersecurity,” answers the following questions: What are the best ways to back up data? What’s the best thing to do if your device is lost or stolen? How do intruders get access to your data? Can criminals hold your data captive and ask for ransom? Is your laptop’s or smartphone’s traffic being harvested when on public Wi-Fi? Should you trust a password manager? Is it advisable to use Touch ID or Face ID on iPhones? How can you browse the web privately and anonymously? How can you protect your privacy on Facebook? Should you use encrypted messaging and email? How? How can you control your privacy if you use smart home devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home?Using advice from security experts, this report discusses the difference between possible threats and likely risks. It also provides advice on how to make your own security plan and concludes with ideas for sharing this information with your library users.
• Hennig, N. (2018). Siri, Alexa, and Other Digital Assistants: The Librarian's Quick Guide. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.
  More info

  Apple has "Siri," Amazon "Alexa," Google "Google Assistant," and Microsoft "Cortana." Learn how you can use a popular technology to improve library services, increase their efficiency, and excel in your career.Digital assistants such as Alexa and Siri can play music, podcasts, audiobooks, and the radio; answer questions; provide factual information; tell stories; and even control devices in your home. What can they do for you in your library?This concise, practical guide will help you to understand the basics of voice computing platforms and appreciate its relevance to you as a librarian, outlining specific applications for this technology in the library. Discussions of potential applications will inspire you to include voice computing in your library services and events and give you the tools you need to do so. You'll also find a list of the best sources on voice computing. In short, you will find everything you need to know about this important and growing technology and how you can use it in your library.Features Demystifies a powerful and popular new technology and how it works Explains how to put voice computing and digital assistants to use in your library Addresses privacy and ethical concerns that may be raised when implementing this technology
• Hennig, G. (2017). Keeping Up with Emerging Technologies: Best Practices for Information Professionals. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.
  More info

  Learn the best methods for keeping up — no matter what new technology is trending.There are several books written for librarians about specific new technologies, but it’s hard to find a comprehensive resource for the best methods for keeping up, along with integrating new technologies into library services. That’s why I’ve written this book.This handbook covers a wide variety of methods, including: - gathering information about new technologies - evaluating them - setting up experiments to help you match technologies with user needs - and how to recommend the use of new technologies in library services.
• Hennig, N. (2017). Podcast Literacy: Educational, Accessible, and Diverse Podcasts for Library Users. Chicago, IL: ALA TechSource.
  More info

  Podcasts are experiencing a renaissance today. More high-quality programming is available for more diverse audiences than ever before. And in this report, Nicole Hennig will provide you with a guide that includes some of the best educational, accessible, and diverse podcasts available for your library users. Hennig provides suggestions for how you can find the best podcasts, discusses the purposes and benefits of podcasts, and share tips on how we can use this knowledge to point our users to the most relevant content and help increase digital literacy in our communities.In this issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 53, no. 2), Hennig will cover Why podcasts are an important part of digital literacy; Statistics on podcast listening; The advantages of audio-based learning; How to find the best podcasts and the best apps for podcast listening; Lists of recommended podcasts for general audiences, higher education, teens, children, people with disabilities, and diverse and underserved audiences; How podcasts are being used, in context, in K–12 education and higher education; Podcast accessibility for people with disabilities; Ideas for how libraries can become curators and recommenders of podcasts; and Resources for learning more.
• Hennig, N. (2016). Mobile Learning Trends: Accessibility, Ecosystems, Content Creation. Chicago, IL: ALA TechSource.
  More info

  Touch screens, speech recognition, conversational interfaces, and augmented reality revolutionize the way people interact with the screen. Adaptive technology, which once required specialized hardware and software, is now built-in. Older readers may adjust font size to their needs while younger patrons can interact with library content by touch, not keystrokes. These and similar technologies, called Natural User Interfaces, also support the core library value of access for all. With ideas for library programming and resources built for mobile devices, this Library Technology Report covers such topics as: - accessibility features in iOS and Android; - apps that make your physical space and your content accessible to people with disabilities; - how devices can work together to create an ecosystem; and - using mobile devices to create content.

Proceedings Publications

• Dubinsky, E., Paschke-wood, J., Sult, L. A., & Hennig, N. (2021). Learning from Failure: Creating better subject and course guides using critical information literacy practices.. In LOEX.

Presentations

• Paschke-wood, J., Sult, L. A., Dubinsky, E., & Hennig, N. (2021). Learning from Failure: Creating better subject and course guides using critical information literacy practices. LOEX.