Lifelong Learning: Two Years

Today I mark two years since the graduation by which I affixed the four inestimable letters of MLIS after my name.  As a library/information science (LIS) professional, I am well aware that learning is lifelong.  So to celebrate this occasion, I feel it's good to recount the learning I have experienced recently.

Since starting my full-time cataloger job at the Orland Park Public Library, I've put my LIS skills in action as I tend to the work of processing materials for that library's patrons.  I've noticed how my LIS skills spring into action, like when giving call numbers to materials, especially nonfiction.  It's been interesting to see the process play out in the workplace.

I had workplace processes in mind while attending the Illinois Library Association's Reaching Forward Conference last week Friday in Rosemont.  Two presenters talked about how technical services staff can collaborate with other departments to make sure everyone is on the same page and the techn. services staff are well-positioned and ready to help other departments wiht their projects.  Clearly, there are important skills to utilize when running a workplace well.  At the conference, I also got attended presentations to learn about the differences among various generations in the workplace, with many factors influencing the mindset of Boomers, GenXers, and Millenials.  Other presentations I attended showcased library programming, cataloging techniques, and the function of humor in life.

So far as I remember, Renee, an Orland Park Public Library staff person, got this picture of me with Abraham Lincoln, one of many programming options offered to libraries that was showcased at the Reaching Forward conference.

Indeed, lifelong learning is about putting the foundations of learning, especially in an academic setting, into action.  I thought about this last Saturday when I attended the annual District 97 Multicultural Ethnic Fest at Julian Middle School.  After the parade, there were festivities at the school, including food, vendors, crafts, and entertainment.  Owing to the fest occasion, the monthly Spanish Conversation Hour was held in a classroom at Julian, instead of at its usual location at the Dole Branch of the library.

What a feeling it was to be back in my old stomping grounds at Julian, on a day celebrating the varied cultures of the world and their place in the community of Oak Park.  And there I was, engaging in Spanish conversation with other community members--and notably, on the same week five years after being inducted into the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society, which happened in my waning days at ValpU.  It was so special to be back inside Julian, that place that had such a profound influence in shaping me to be the person I am, continuing to learn Spanish by putting it into action in conversation.

Jeanine, a staff person at the Oak Park Public Library, who helps facilitate the Spanish Conversation Hour, took this picture of me in my seat at the Conversation Hour inside Julian's health classroom, where we met.

There's something to be said about all that can be discovered when we use what skills we have and open ourselves up to what's out there.  Truly, lifelong learning is a great adventure.