Hi all.
I placed my self today in my local library and started my first real in depth study session. It was in fact the Darwin city library. A fascinating place full of noise and crazy characters, who sometimes talk to themselves.
After a little while, I felt like I was drowning or possibly lost on the sea of information overload. However I figured that, this is quite a normal feeling and in context of the subject, being- “What is Information?”, I started to wonder if the role of Librarian is a bit like being the captain of a ship and perhaps our role is something like guiding this ship through the sea of information.
When I studied last, it was the 90s. The sea was smaller and navigation was simpler. Now it feels like being the captain of a space ship, navigating through what seems like an increasingly expanding universe of information.
I guess it made me realise that the role of librarian has changed or has become even more important/relevant to help the learner to navigate through the universe of information.
If anything, I want this experience to help empathise with all my students.
Jane
Hi Jess, I liken this task to having to provide feedback on a colleague’s lesson – something I always find a little awkward! Pearce, Mulder and Baik (2009) describe peer review as part of the collaborative learning process and that anonymity makes for more honest and constructive opinions – so I’ll do my best!
I’ve been flicking through the blogs of others with increasing awe and diminishing confidence. When I happened upon your blog, I breathed a deep sigh of relief! … I’d better elaborate, that hasn’t come out quite right! I also studied in the 90’s and I am also suffering from information overload, so hearing you say it made me feel a whole lot calmer.
I like the clean, uncluttered look of your blog because, unlike me, you have resisted the urge to try and include every bell and whistle, (because everybody else seems to have). I’m sure you’ll be adding a few features along the way, if not for public amusement, then certainly to help with your own storage and retrieval of information.
I chuckled at your use of the sailing metaphor, as I have likened the reflective journal aspect of the course as a car journey on my blog! I’m not sure a crowded motorway would conjure up the same feelings of tranquillity that you have achieved with your image of the sunset over the water. (Although this does contrast with your playful? Cheeky? avatar – are you a witch or a cat lover, or both?)
I also admire the relaxed confidence conveyed in your post and how you say so much with so few words! Invoking imagery of the captain navigating the way through time and space cleverly links the past, present and future of the teacher librarian. I wonder what the lighthouse means for you? Is it lighting up a safe passage, or protecting you from rougher seas? Is it a beacon of hope for all those captains sailing into the unknown?
I hope you enjoy smooth sailing!
Cheers, Trace
http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/trace/
Pearce, J., Mulder, R. & Baik, C. (2009). Involving students in peer review: case studies and practical strategies for university teaching. Centre for the Study of Higher Education, Melbourne University. Retrieved from http://melbourne-cshe.unimelb.edu.au/resources/teaching-and-learning/peer-review/involving-students-in-peer-review