Librarians are educators. It is an essential part of our job as we curate extensive collections to meet the information needs of our patrons and design programs for children through adults. We explicitly teach things like digital and information literacy as well as offer opportunities for patrons to explore and learn on their own. As such, it is important that we take the time to examine our role as educators, and consider the nature of learning, specifically how it would apply to the mission and function of libraries.
The constructivist philosophy is a widely accepted educational philosophy that can offer great insights for librarians. This argues that people do not merely accept knowledge, but rather actively build meaning and understanding based on experiences, exploration, and reflection. When given the opportunity to explore, people have the freedom to construct their own understanding with strong foundations.
The constructivist philosophy is a widely accepted educational philosophy that can offer great insights for librarians. This argues that people do not merely accept knowledge, but rather actively build meaning and understanding based on experiences, exploration, and reflection. When given the opportunity to explore, people have the freedom to construct their own understanding with strong foundations.
I believe exploration is a central tenant to the mission of any library. We provide the tools and resources for personal and academic explorations. As such, insights from the constructivist philosophy, which puts a heavy emphasis on exploration, have the potential to deepen experiences for patrons in the library.
The constructivist philosophy originated from the work of John Dewey, Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, and Jerome Bruner. The links to the right give great introductions to the constructivist educational philosophy, including descriptions of each of their contributions. |
The constructivist philosophy is built upon the assumption that learners are active participants as they construct their understanding based on their foundations of previous knowledge. This does not mean that all learning experiences require hands on activities. Lectures and direct instruction can still be effective in education. The constructivist philosophy argues that understanding is built when learners actively reflect upon their experiences and learning. Hands on experiences can be an important element in the learning process, especially for children, but learning experiences do not need to be limited to such environments. Reflection upon the process is important, as it is during the reflection that learners are able to construct their understanding.
Libraries are designed to facilitate exploration, and the process of exploration is inherently reflective. As we design the library programs and collections, the constructivist philosophy can help us deepen the experiences of our patrons and students.
The makerspace movement, is a key example of the constructivist philosophy at play in the library. A makerspace is a place where we give someone the tools and resources to make and create. In this creative environment mistakes are not seen as failures but part of the learning process. People are encouraged to collaborate with others as they reflect on the best solutions to a problem. It is exploration. It provides constructivist style learning opportunities.
While reflecting on the constructivist philosophy when designing a makerspace and corresponding programs can help to strengthen the space, in the library the constructivist philosophy need not be limited to the makerspace. We can make our adult education offerings, teen programs, and storytimes for younger patrons deeper experiences if we allow for opportunities for reflection and exploration.
Libraries are designed to facilitate exploration, and the process of exploration is inherently reflective. As we design the library programs and collections, the constructivist philosophy can help us deepen the experiences of our patrons and students.
The makerspace movement, is a key example of the constructivist philosophy at play in the library. A makerspace is a place where we give someone the tools and resources to make and create. In this creative environment mistakes are not seen as failures but part of the learning process. People are encouraged to collaborate with others as they reflect on the best solutions to a problem. It is exploration. It provides constructivist style learning opportunities.
While reflecting on the constructivist philosophy when designing a makerspace and corresponding programs can help to strengthen the space, in the library the constructivist philosophy need not be limited to the makerspace. We can make our adult education offerings, teen programs, and storytimes for younger patrons deeper experiences if we allow for opportunities for reflection and exploration.
Additionally, I believe that the constructivist philosophy should be considered as we curate and organize resources. Our library collections (print and digital) are primarily intended for personal and academic explorations. When we curate the resources, we are providing opportunities for patrons to explore on their own and construct their own understanding. We strive to make sure that the resources we provide meet the needs of a wide variety of explorations. We also organize said resources so that patrons are able to navigate and browse the collections on their own. If we sift these decisions through the lenses of the constructivist philosophy, we will help ensure that the best resources based on the varied needs and learning styles of our patrons are organized in ways that are easily accessible for those coming to explore in the library.
When we are more intentional about exploration and inquiry we will create deeper more meaningful experiences for our patrons.
The articles below provide additional resources about the role of the constructivist philosophy in libraries and makerspaces.
When we are more intentional about exploration and inquiry we will create deeper more meaningful experiences for our patrons.
The articles below provide additional resources about the role of the constructivist philosophy in libraries and makerspaces.