The Definition of Digital Literacy

The OITP Digital Literacy Task Force released it's official definition of digital literacy this week on the District Dispatch blog. The short definition is accompanied by a six page primer (not yet available) that provides more in-depth information. Digital literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information requiring both cognitive … Continue reading The Definition of Digital Literacy

Defining Transliteracy For Librarians

I have been asked this question many times by librarians so I am way overdue for this post. Most recently I was asked "....are librarians the people best equipped to define and interpret transliteracy (as opposed to say cognitive scientists, anthropologists, or critical theorists)." This is a modified version of my original answer. No librarians are probably not … Continue reading Defining Transliteracy For Librarians

Librarians Play a Vital Role in 21st Century Literacies

We know it, but no one else seems to. Many organizations are looking at the definition of literacy and expanding it to include the knowledge and skills it takes to be an active participant in today's society. What baffles me as I read through reports and recommendations from so many organizations is the lack of mention of … Continue reading Librarians Play a Vital Role in 21st Century Literacies

What Makes a Library a Library?

Last week Sarah Houghton-Jan posted about a staffless library in Washington and asked the question "What makes a library a library?" Buffy Hamilton took the question to the masses and recorded them for this great video.

The Library is…

For National Library Week we asked patrons what the library is to them. These are some of the responses so far, they go all around the pillar. I also took individual pictures of them, go look at them, they're awesome! You have to forgive me this is one of the last chances I'll have to … Continue reading The Library is…

Library is…?

A couple of weeks ago I was in Denver for vacation and we stopped at the Denver Art Museum. In addition to all the traditional art one expects to see in a museum they also had some patron contribution displays. Throughout the museum notebooks were set out and patrons could record their thoughts and feelings … Continue reading Library is…?