From the Infinite Learning Modules, I appreciated the aspect of how libraries are learning environments for users and for library information professionals. The idea of continuous learning in life literacy is such an effective term because this is everyone’s first time through life. The difference between all of us is that we all have different ways to learn. Libraries and information settings that get to know their community and use creativity to approach mundane subjects and engage with users are more successful with cultivating learning opportunities. From “books and butchers” to libraries building a power tools collection for their patrons to borrow from are all unconventional ideas when one thinks of library programming.
Infinite Learning and Professional Learning is an important topic to me. For an information setting like libraries, I think connecting with others both in and out of the industry and learning about their approaches in their careers is so important. The hard skills are one thing, but soft skills are what “makes the world go round.” Soft skills might be even more difficult to learn than hard skills because much of it is based on learning from situations. The foundational aspects like compassion, empathy and finding balance are natural traits but are honed in by experience. I think its remarkably sad if there are staff who work a service job for decades and do not engage with others to learn about different approaches and discuss various solutions to similar problems. In my pervious jobs, having mixers to talk with others similar to my position on different projects was educational. Those always felt great after because it you did not feel alone and genuine connections are made.
The Lego Foundation hosting a creativity workshop for employees to build and create a little machine holding a pen is a great example of how everyone brings a unique perspective to an identical situation. The host mentions that no matter how much this workshop takes place, the results are always different. That is the beauty of having a diverse community and encouraging users to engage in uncustomary ways to exercise the creative side of the brain. I imagine an idea like Books and Butchers had to have been born in a supportive, accepting, and open environment.
References
The LEGO Foundation. July5, 2016. What do we mean by learning through play? https://vimeo.com/173458519
Stephens, M. (2019). “Formula for Success” in Wholehearted Librarianship, p. 30
Stephens, M. (2019). “Personal, Actionable, Accessible” in Wholehearted Librarianship, p. 44
Hi Patricia!
Great blog post! Learning is never done, and I definitely agree with your comment about different people having different ways of learning. I am on the autism spectrum, and for me personally, that comment really rings true because I’ve had to figure out how I learn best.
In addition, I liked the comment about soft skills. As far as the job I’m working at right now, I am constantly learning how to use those and how to develop them because I have to work in a way different than others in order to be effective.
@aniellafields