Reflection on Infinite Learning: Library as Classroom

Libraries are trusted places of learning. They always have been. But the ways in which they build learning opportunities have certainly changed over the years. Even over a decade ago, Kenney (2015) was able to point out that patrons don’t come to libraries for traditional reference help anymore, not when they can make a simple Google search. I can definitely attest to this. In my three years I’ve been working in a public library, I’ve only ever received one reference question. It came from a young student who was looking for some incredibly specific information for her research. The youth librarian did her best to find print materials, including encyclopedias, that would help, but it wasn’t until I linked the student to one of our library’s databases (which rarely ever get used) that it seemed any progress could be made. But the only reason this student turned to the library at all was because her assignment had required it of her. Otherwise, she, like any other student nowadays, would most likely have simply turned to the Internet to find the information she needed. So that begs the question: in this digital age, how can libraries help their patrons learn? 

First of all, it’s important to acknowledge that learning comes in many different forms, not just from books and articles. (Though of course these are still important too, and libraries continue to link people to the resources they need, whether it’s cookbooks, books about dinosaurs, self-help books, books about making slime, etc.) Learning starts at an early age, hence why many libraries host regular baby storytimes. At my library, these storytimes include reading from board books, short songs (often with motions and bouncing), and at the end, playtime with toys. Yes, this playtime is a form of learning as well. In fact, once every month while school is in session, one of our weekly storytime events is all about play. We put out a sandbox, number magnets, an inflatable tunnel, and other toys and let toddlers play and have fun. Also on a regular basis, we have a magnet wall where kids can be creative, spell words out with our letter magnets, and build magnet tracks for spinny toys to go down. In addition, we have a toy kitchen where kids can pretend to make meals for themselves and their parents. As explained by Bookey (2015), these opportunities for play help kids learn to express themselves and to learn to share and cooperate with other kids and adults. 

But it’s not just kids who learn through play. Even as they grow older, people need to stay curious and explore interests. Libraries can help them do that too. As emphasized by Nygren (2014), libraries can embrace connected learning, which embraces interest-powered, peer-supported, and academically oriented learning. Perhaps one of the most common ways libraries have been doing this is by offering makerspaces, where patrons (usually teens) can work together and create projects hands-on with equipment provided at the library. If they don’t have a space set aside for makerspaces, some libraries may host programs which still embrace the idea. For instance, I once volunteered at a library which hosted a droid day. The big draw for that program was that members of the 501st Legion (an organization with people dressed up as clone troopers and other Star Wars characters) came into the library to the tune of “The Imperial March” played by a live orchestra, but there were also STEM activities families could participate in, and a robotics team from a local school brought in one of their robots to show off. This is just one example, but it does highlight what libraries are capable of. Through programs and spaces created by staff and by partnerships with local schools, businesses, and organizations, libraries can create incredible opportunities that engage their communities and allow them to be lifelong learners.

Resources

Bookey, J. L. (2015, April 29). 8 awesome ways libraries are making learning fun. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/8-awesome-ways-libraries_b_7157462 

Kenney, B. (2015, September 11). Where reference fits in the modern library. Publishers Weekly. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/68019-for-future-reference.html 

Nygren, A. (2014, August 4). The public library as a community hub for connected learning. IFLA. https://repository.ifla.org/rest/api/core/bitstreams/50f4859b-3fbc-47df-b45b-d9292b44ee9c/content