Apr
23
Written by:
Dan Maas
4/23/2008
In a previous post, I suggested the power of symbols being above metaphors, pictures and words. I'd like to suggest a possible new symbol for library science...
In a meeeting held by the Colorado State Library, we discussed the new AALA definition of the 21st Century Learner. A topic dear to my heart, I was drawn to the simplicity of the vision. I also found commonality with their definitions and developed some thoughts around information, authorship, participation and citizenship. But that's for another post.
Part of our discussion included the importance of breaking out of the paradigm of the library being a quiet place for people to come get information... a passive approach. We agreed that the libraries that are successful today are active and sources of energy. We also discussed how print is diminishing in light of digital sources... but the book probably won't go completely away. But so long as the library is tethered to the book, the new mission cannot be met.
Allow me to suggest a new symbol for library in the 21st Century... I'd love your comments:
Based on the comment below, here is a modified version to try to make the laptop side of the image look less like a VHS cassette:
7 comment(s) so far...
Re: Literacy transformed
Hey Dan,
I like your idea....but the videotape format is quickly being replaced by the videodisc format! So get your drawing pens out and try again!!
By Julie Jarvis on
4/24/2008
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Re: Literacy transformed
hmmmm, the left hand side is intended to be a laptop keyboard... guess the cryptic attempt was a little TOO cryptic
By Dan Maas on
4/24/2008
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Re: Literacy transformed
I like the revised the idea but don't believe the library is "tethered" to the book. Why can't books live in peace and harmony with 21st century tools? There is no replacement on my shelves for the literally dog-earred copy of My Father's Dragon that was read to my Great-grandmother, my grandmother, mother, my children and now my grandchildren. On the other hand, I sure would like to have all my reference books stored somewhere so that I could get the article or quote that I remember by just saying or typing a keyword!
By Connie Bouwman on
4/25/2008
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Re: Literacy transformed
I totally agree with you Connie. I guess I meant to suggest that if libraries confine themselves to books... this critical element of a school is in jeopardy. I was hoping that the image conveys a merger of digital and print sources...
By Dan Maas on
4/25/2008
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Re: Literacy transformed
Being a visual learner, I love the symbol. Students are already there - they go to the library to check email, web pages, and to research articles of interest to them (outside of homework). I go to check out DVDs and books.
By Karen Goodwin on
4/25/2008
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Re: Literacy transformed
It's a good concept, but I think it would benefit from having a professional graphic designer look at it and refining it.
At the moment, it's a bit too literal.
By Anon on
4/30/2008
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Re: Literacy transformed
Thanks, Anon. I agree, that my efforts in MS Paint are far too primitive for prime time. As I'm typing, I'm thinking that I might want to run this by a high school student or two...
By Dan Maas on
5/1/2008
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