The Human Connection (cue Kermit the Frog)

Infinite Learning is the concept of learning through curiosity wherever and whenever you are and using whatever resources are available, which may or may not include technology. In the video The Adaptable Mind (2015), they suggest that STEM (Science, Technology, and Math) not only should include Arts, making it STEAM, but it should include Humanity, making it SHTEAM!  

They go on to state that “human is the one quality that machines don’t have.” (Tiffany Shlain & Let It Ripple Studio, 2015). To be an infinite learner we must embrace our curiosity. Brain science tells us that curiosity stimulates the learning, memory, and reward centers of the brain. (Curiosity Helps Learning and Memory | University of California, 2014).

In The Heart of Librarianship (2016), page 140, Michael Stephens addresses the concept of “Learning to Learn”. (HeartofLibrarianship.Pdf, n.d.). This is not just a concept to share or to project onto our library patrons, but one to embrace as a librarian. Am I open to learning new things? Do I take professional development to heart? Does the energy from staff development days last? Am I growing personally?

If there is one thing libraries have in abundance (besides books and information resources) it’s heart, the epicenter of human connection. As a program librarian, I take these lessons, well, to heart.

 

This is me, embracing “Messy Learning”. (Block, n.d.)

 

References

Block, J. (n.d.). Embracing Messy Learning. Edutopia. Retrieved July 27, 2025, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/embracing-messy-learning-joshua-block

Curiosity helps learning and memory | University of California. (2014, October 2). https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/curiosity-helps-learning-and-memory

HeartofLibrarianship.pdf. (n.d.). Dropbox. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/26cn6o86m5i0vcpcznebf/HeartofLibrarianship.pdf?dl=0&rlkey=ozp68co4gmafmfvcu2tv4ec7p

Tiffany Shlain & Let It Ripple Studio (Director). (2015, October 8). The Adaptable Mind (11 min Cloud Film) [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=937iCwJd3fI