The Professional Learning Experiences sub-module focused on how we as library staff can participate in infinite learning. As library professionals, we need to remember that “lifelong learning,” a concept that is written into many libraries’ mission statements, should also apply to library staff. We have a duty to our patrons to stay informed on the latest trends and technology so that we can provide the best possible services and programs (Stephens et al., 2021).
The phrase professional development often brings up images of people sitting in a stuffy, classroom-like setting, as pictured below, passively listening to a speaker.
But professional development is more than attending an in-person workshop or conference. Thanks to the internet, we can have professional development at our fingertips, whenever we want it, and oftentimes at no additional cost. Learning can happen through more than just workshops and webinars. We can learn by reading blogs and trade magazines, joining library-related social media groups, listening to TED Talks, and even simply having conversations with our coworkers. Stephens (2019) calls the combination of formal and informal events Professional Learning Experiences (PLEs), stating that they are “a more interactive, learner-centric, and diverse landscape of learning” (p. 44).
I am proud to work for a library (Fountaindale Public Library) that highly values lifelong learning among the staff. Fountaindale provides very generous education assistance, which is the only reason I was able to begin this MLIS program. We are also required to complete at least one type of professional development activity per month.
But infinite learning also happens organically throughout our workday. One person will mention an article they read, a podcast they listened to, or a patron question, which leads us to do a deep dive to get more information. It’s not uncommon for someone to say, “If only there were a place we could find that information,” as we all dramatically swivel around in our chairs and race to see who can find the information first. Sometimes it’s library-related. Sometimes it’s not. But it’s always a way that we can learn a little something together.
I really like how @michael used the phrase “Personal Learning Networks” in the Professional Learning Experience video lecture. The idea being that we learn stuff in our personal lives that can also enrich our professional lives. For example, for the last several years, I have been using Duolingo to learn Norwegian. This activity, which I do on my own in my own free time, inspired me to create a special storytime series when I worked in the Children’s Services Department called Storytime Around the World. During the six-week series, we learned Norwegian vocabulary for colors, numbers, animals, and body parts through stories, songs, and other activities. I loved the research I did for this program and was able to connect with a children’s librarian at Deichman, the public library in Oslo, a Facebook group of Norwegian early childhood teachers, and, through that group, Charlotta Kappfjell, an amazing Sámi singer who combines the traditional Sámi joik with children’s songs, who permitted me to use some of her songs in my storytime. This program would not have blossomed into what it did if I wasn’t learning Norwegian on my own.
The great thing about professional (and personal) learning is that it is a continuous process, inspired by curiosity. As I stated in a previous reflection blog post, “In a world where technology and society are constantly changing, embracing curiosity will allow librarians to remain adaptable and responsive in creating welcoming spaces that will continue to enrich the lives of the patrons they serve.” Every day is a new opportunity to learn something that will help you grow, personally and professionally, and inspire your next idea to help you provide better services for your community.
As someone hesitant to fully embrace AI, I thought I would participate in a little Professional Learning Experience to end my post. I gave ChatGPT the following prompt:
Create a funny meme based on this module https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/infinite-learning-professional-learning-experiences/
What do you think? I think ChatGPT has been doing a little professional development of its own. It sure has come a long way in its ability to produce the correct number of limbs and spell things correctly. Although I think it was trying to create an “Expectation/Reality” meme but forgot to label the “Expectation.”
References:
Stephens, M. (n.d.). The hyperlinked library: Professional learning [Lecture recording]. The Hyperlinked Library. https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/infinite-learning-professional-learning-experiences/
Stephens, M. T. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: finding hope, inspiration, and balance. ALA Editions.
Stephens, M., Partridge, H., Davis, K, & Snyder, M. (2021). The strategic, curious & skeptical learner: Australian public librarians and professional learning experiences. Public Library Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1893114
Hi Jen – Great post! I loved your Norwegian themed children’s programming. It’s a great example of how personal passions and professional networks can converge to create something awesome. I wish my library had done this when I was a kid! I have Norwegian heritage and always loved learning about the culture. To tie back to the storytelling module, this could be another way to connect patrons with stories about themselves or other cultures (depending on their background). Good for your for sticking with Duolingo for so long! I also am very impressed with your AI generated image. It is spot on!