Are Librarians, Not Seth Godin, The Ones Missing the Point?

Are Librarians, Not Seth Godin, The Ones Missing the Point on Libraries? by Buffy Hamilton

            The author, like Seth Godin, believes that the library needs to be a place that encourages and generates thoughts, ideas and learning. Libraries should be the central nerve center of any community, with equal access of all different types of learning materials for everyone. A librarian should be more than the “keeper of knowledge” but an enabler of knowledge—someone who can help others find and discern the viability of the knowledge.

            I believe that Godin sees the library as a learning center—a place where people can come together to access information, share ideas and basically create wonderful things that will improve our world. And librarians can and should be the facilitators—linking people to other people and their information; even people out in the world who might offer a differing viewpoint. Some of the most important thoughts and discoveries have come from people sharing their different theories and points of view. This creates a dynamic learning environment.

            Buffy Hamilton says that she is more of a teacher now than when she really taught in a classroom. She is exploring new ways of not only bringing information to her students but helping them become more active in their own learning processes. I love her Media 21 initiative and I hope that when I am a librarian, I can implement a similar program in my school. As librarians, we must find new ways to excite children about learning but also, to help them take control of their own learning experiences.

            With the threat of budget cuts, librarians more than ever have to prove that they are a needed and valuable part of the community. Hamilton states, “What have I seen myself as “owning” and how do I rethink sharing that expertise so I can continue to build a greater sense of community and value of my talents and the library as a learning space at Creekview High School?”(Hamilton)  I think we each need to ask ourselves this same question.

            Online discussions like these can help librarians rethink what it means to be a librarian and about what libraries should and need to be. Radical ideas sometimes become reality and as librarians, we need to be open to listening to other people’s ideas and opinions. I think in the long run, it can make us more aware, thoughtful and critical of what we do.

            Most bloggers agreed with Hamilton and Godin, but one blogger stressed the need for a library, not just a librarian. He says that people need a place where they can meet to share ideas, receive knowledgeable guidance and be part of a larger community.

Citation:

Hamilton, Buffy. “Are Librarians, Not Seth Godin, The Ones Missing the Point on Libraries?” The Unquiet Librarian 16 May 2011. Web. 27 May 2011. <http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/are-librarians-not-seth-godin-the-ones-missing-the-point-on-libraries/>.