Life-long learning should become a habit

Matthew Rascoff and Eric Johnson present interesting suggestions for encouraging students and universities to nurture life-long learning in their Chronicle of Higher Education article (Aug 28, 2016) entitled "Reimagining College as life-long learning" http://www.chronicle.com/article/Reimagining-College-as-a/237588
 They reimagine college as a continuum that lasts from 18 until 120, that encourages individuals to return to learning and education again and again. If this is the case, then libraries and other cultural institutions are perfectly positioned to add to life-long learning. In fact, most cultural institutions offer classes, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to education oneself throughout a lifetime. So what's the big deal? The article is a reminder that education and learning don't end just because you get a degree or finish a course. There's plenty to continue to learn in a field, in a specialty, or in a hobby.

As librarians, archivists, and information professionals, we need to continue to educate ourselves, grapple with new topics and new skills, foster learning in others, and spark that desire "to know," or to answer all the "why" questions. 

So today, while you are thinking about it, plan to reading a new book, watch an intriguing video, or begin to learn something new. That's what life-long learning is all about.

On to more books.......