21st Century Information Fluency
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Learning to find, evaluate and use digital information effectively, efficiently and ethically.
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Libraries and Makerspaces: a match made in heaven

Libraries and Makerspaces: a match made in heaven | 21st Century Information Fluency | Scoop.it

Every discussion of libraries in the age of austerity always includes at least one blowhard who opines, "What do we need libraries for? We've got the Internet now!"


Facepalm.


The problem is that Mr. Blowhard has confused a library with a book depository. Now, those are useful, too, but a library isn't just (or even necessarily) a place where you go to get books for free. Public libraries have always been places where skilled information professionals assisted the general public with the eternal quest to understand the world. Historically, librarians have sat at the coalface between the entire universe of published material and patrons, choosing books with at least a colorable claim to credibility, carefully cataloging and shelving them, and then assisting patrons in understanding how to synthesize the material contained therein.

Dennis T OConnor's insight:

Libraries as a place to invent and share. Libraries as a place to learn and build. Libraries as makerspaces.  

Elizabeth Hutchinson's comment, February 26, 3:07 AM
Nice piece, those who don't understand what libraries are about should read this!
gwynethjones's curator insight, February 26, 11:39 AM
Libraries & Makerspaces: a Match made in Heaven -- LOVE this Best Practice! #TLChat
Susan Schatvet's curator insight, March 13, 11:00 AM

Libraries on the forefront of revitalizing the American Dream

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Seriously Amazing - Questions Come Alive at the Smithsonian!

Seriously Amazing - Questions Come Alive at the Smithsonian! | 21st Century Information Fluency | Scoop.it
The Smithsonian asks and answers questions about science, art, history and culture, exciting the learning in everyone, every day.

The Smithsonian has recently launched a new website seriouslyamazing.com which “poses questions and answers to show people how it can be an exciting resource for discovery and learning.”

They have created " seven quirky characthers to symbolize the questions the Smithsonian asks and answers every day:

* The Wild represents the diversity of the animal kingdom
* The Mash-Up stands for the ways people share culture
* The Green reflects the wonder of the natural landscape
* The New is where technology and creativity collide
* The Masterpiece embodies artistic expression
* The Storyteller is about America, its people and the tales they tell
* The Discoverer explores our world and the universe

Take some time to explore this site. You may discover many new resources available at the Smithonian!


Via Beth Dichter, Dr. Gordon Dahlby
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