Library 3.0 aka Bibliobucks?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7316574.html

Last week our staff received an email from the librarians (goddesses, as they like to refer themselves to) to survey our opinion on whether or not we thought it would be a good idea to section off the library as a silent-zone during finals week.
I must admit, as I voiced my reaction aloud, I heard the bellow of a crotchety old man hit my ears.  Well, of course, it should be a silent-zone during finals weeks and every other week, goshnabbit!
Since the first clay tablets were housed in one place in Mesopotamia for their (rich) citizens to read 5000 years ago, libraries have been halcyon halls for reading, serene sanctuaries promoted by Franklin for the public where one can find solace between the pages of a book, expertly plucked from the shelves if you knew your Dewey decimal system (400s, 600s, 900s being my favorite stacks to peruse ad nauseum).
At the helm, the coveted position of librarian, feared and respected up there with nuns and police officers -at least if your of my generation.  Her vocal training expertly emitted the the sound ssshhh in a low, yet forboding manner, only needed once to get the point across.
But that was 1984 and after reading the article, and with the knowledge that 21st century learning is a social event accomplished, not in individual study carrels, but collaboratively and out in the open, the Lamar High model may not be so far-fetched.
So, here's to our goddesses who just may be part of the pioneers into the 21st century library.  Perhaps, sooner than later I'll be able to take my classes for research tasks to Prep's Saunders library and have a student barista prepare a cafe americano. Oh, and no shushing.

Inspiration Delivers (re-post)

http://principalposts.edublogs.org/2010/11/26/inspiration-delivers/

Lyn Hilt's endeavor to incorporate what Daniel Pink calls a "Fed-Ex Day" came not without its obstacles. They say doctors are the worst patients, likewise, educators can be the worst learners. The term 'buy in' always floats around when innovation or change looms in the air. This principal gave her educators the tools (videos) to buy in and then made them go for it. From my own group of colleagues, those who prefer to have a tidy, pre-packaged, let's-have-this-wrapped-up-by-lunchtime-so-we-can-go-home session, I can imagine the faces of loathing and near disgust when the day came to take on this task, a VERY open-ended one that can bring the most seasoned educator to a screeching standstill, heels dug in and all. Kudos to you, Lyn, I'm now following you on Twitter.

RSA - Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us (D. Pink)

RSA Animate -- Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.

The Intentional Path to Headship

The Intentional Path to Headship

Are U.S. students learning the right 21st century skills? - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area

Are U.S. students learning the right 21st century skills? - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area

A Vision of 21st Century Teachers

My thoughts as I watched this: It's not just about technology itself, that would be purposeless, but rather the relevant possibilities that it can bring into the classroom by way of the learner through the thoughtful and deliberate guidance of an instructor. One who learns, relearns, defines, redefines, engages, inspires and is not afraid to hand over the reins to the learners and serve as a facilitator of an environment of creation, collaboration and discovery.