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 Collaborative learning through coding
Friday, 17th February 2012
By
Africa S. Hands
Abstract:
Information professionals never have been a group to shy away from professional development. This year, the library and information community is taking on, in large numbers, the challenge of learning to code.
Article:
It seems lately information professionals have been inundated with articles, webinars and blog posts with a reminder to stay current, fresh, flexible and adaptable lest we become extinct in the workplace. Last year the Special Libraries Association dedicated an entire blog to the topic of becoming "Future Ready" with timely thoughtful posts from information professionals in a variety of fields. Information professionals never have been a group to shy away from professional development. This year, the library and information community is taking on, in large numbers, the challenge of learning to code.
Presented by Codeacademy, Code Year has nearly 400,000 participants, many from the information community. Through weekly, asynchronous, interactive lessons, aspiring programmers will learn JavaScript and other formats. According to librarian, Andromeda Yelton, it's a fun “no pressure way to get your feet wet in coding” and learn a new skill with a community of supporters.
It is fitting that information professionals are learning to code. Many of us learned how to search databases effectively in graduate school or through on the job training; it’s one of our many assets – search, retrieval, organisation and management of information databases. We perform better as researchers when we know the inner workings of the system or database being used. Learning to code is a valuable next step in learning how to use computers most effectively, a beneficial tool in the information professional’s skill set.
It’s not too late to get involved with Code Year.
Through social media, wikis and online groups it is now easier than ever before to learn new skills and expand our knowledge base. Professional development opportunities such as this are critical as information professionals strive to prove our value in the workplace.
By Africa S. Hands
Africa S. Hands is an independent librarian with a focus on helping professionals understand and utilise social media and search engines through one-on-one tutorials and small group workshops. Africa tweets (@africahands) on resources of interest to information and higher education professionals. Her LinkedIn profile may be viewed at:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/africahands.
Africa can be reached at africa.hands@freepint.com
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