Revisiting the Past-Reimagining the Future: Information Literacy for the 22nd Century Librarian

Type of Presentation

Individual paper/presentation (20 minute presentation)

Target Audience

Higher Education

Location

Room 129

Abstract

In an article written for the September-October 1883 edition of Library Journal, R. R. Bowker said, "The librarian of today is a bridge-builder…He must use the materials of the past in building for the future." Today's information professional faces challenges not unlike those of the 19th and 20th centuries, and like librarians of years past, he/she must face uncertainty and change. However, information professionals of today are dealing with a level and pace of change that can be overwhelming. The advancing tides of technology and information have muddied the waters of information literacy, creating challenges and raising questions pertaining to standards, relevance, embracing change, developing relationships, etc. As we boldly face the future of information literacy, a view that is more holistic in nature will be vital to our profession and the people we serve. Drawing from the rich histories of information science, education, and ecology, this paper proposes an "ecological model" for viewing the challenges and possibilities that exist for the information literacy professional of today AND tomorrow. This model, based on the wisdom of Urie Bronfenbrenner and Aldo Leopold, combines the simultaneously interacting systems impacting information/the individual and the relationships between these systems. An ecological view of information literacy is both relevant and timely, as the ACRL undertakes the construction of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, incorporating the view of the information ecosystem and its potential impact on the future of information literacy.

Presentation Description

This presentation will propose an "ecological" model or guide for viewing the future challenges and possibilities in the field of information literacy, based on the wisdom of Urie Bronfenbrenner and Aldo Leopold. As professionals in a rapidly changing field, a framework that is holistic will be vital to our success and the success of the individuals we serve. Come glean from the rich histories of information science and education - with a hint of conservation ecology for good measure - and see what can be in store for the 22nd century librarian!

Keywords

R. R. Bowker, Aldo Leopold, Urie Bronfenbrenner, ecological model, information literacy, librarian

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Oct 10th, 2:45 PM Oct 10th, 4:00 PM

Revisiting the Past-Reimagining the Future: Information Literacy for the 22nd Century Librarian

Room 129

In an article written for the September-October 1883 edition of Library Journal, R. R. Bowker said, "The librarian of today is a bridge-builder…He must use the materials of the past in building for the future." Today's information professional faces challenges not unlike those of the 19th and 20th centuries, and like librarians of years past, he/she must face uncertainty and change. However, information professionals of today are dealing with a level and pace of change that can be overwhelming. The advancing tides of technology and information have muddied the waters of information literacy, creating challenges and raising questions pertaining to standards, relevance, embracing change, developing relationships, etc. As we boldly face the future of information literacy, a view that is more holistic in nature will be vital to our profession and the people we serve. Drawing from the rich histories of information science, education, and ecology, this paper proposes an "ecological model" for viewing the challenges and possibilities that exist for the information literacy professional of today AND tomorrow. This model, based on the wisdom of Urie Bronfenbrenner and Aldo Leopold, combines the simultaneously interacting systems impacting information/the individual and the relationships between these systems. An ecological view of information literacy is both relevant and timely, as the ACRL undertakes the construction of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, incorporating the view of the information ecosystem and its potential impact on the future of information literacy.