Thoughts on Life-Long Learning

The moment I decided to become a librarian I knew I'd vowed to continue learning all my life. Being a librarian has proved to be just that - an continuous challenge to keep learning. The field changes so quickly! As does the technology we use everyday. As if that weren't enough to keep me challenged, add to the formula my teen-aged patrons - they keep me going/growing every single day.

As if there weren't enough inherent challenges in the job, other challenges present themselves daily. A student and I laughed today as we explored a database within InfoTrac. He was searching for info on his topic, but a sidebar caught his interest. As I looked over his shoulder I watched him get diverted to another interesting topic. He turned to me with a grin, saying, "But that really isn't my topic, I just wanted to see what they meant there." He made me laugh because I recognize that feeling. I'm forever finding myself interested in something else I know little about and am curious. Before I know it, I've wandered far from my original point of inquest.

So, for me, the easiest habits are to accept problems as challenges (aren't the two synonymous?) and to accept responsibility for my learning. The hardest habit is to determine a goal and stay focused on the goal. My nature is one of random impulsiveness, so it is a struggle to stay focused. In a learning environment, I seldom set goals. So this will be a new aspect (goal) for me while on this 2.0 challenge.