September 2005 Newsletter

[ pdf version ]

Continuing Education / Lifelong Learning

The average American can expect to live 77.4 years¹. The average working American spends at least 13 years² gaining a formal education. So what about the remaining 64.4 years? As life goes on, how can we continue to learn and develop new skills?

Libraries have always been providers of useful and practical information. In this age of technology, libraries are also a source of endless continuing education opportunities. Whether acting as an information source for self–directed study or working directly with schools, libraries will always be a part of the educational fabric of our lives.

Highlighted in this issue are continuing education opportunities for librarians, seniors, state employees and all Ohio residents.

¹ "Years of Life Expected at Birth in U.S., 1900–2002." World Almanac and Book of Facts, 2005, page 76
² "Income and Education of the States of the United States: 1840–2000." Working Paper Series, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Nov. 2004, Vol. 2004, Issue 31, page 10.

State Librarian’s Report

Our partnerships – between libraries, governmental agencies, social institutions, to name just a few – do nothing but strengthen our educational role and ensure the success of our outreach efforts.

Libraries are often cited as institutions which support lifelong learning.

The place where:
some children have their first "read to me" experiences;
young adults conduct study group activities;
new parents learn parenting skills;
seniors pursue new hobbies in retirement.

One need only look at Cleveland Public Library, The People's University, http://www.cpl.org/ to realize that these examples are the tip of the tip of the iceberg. The offerings there include online book chats with authors, exploring the relationship between books and films, programs on history (including rock and roll!) and then there are the many special collections that enhance the learning opportunities of all.

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County offers "Lunch and Learn at the Library." The topics of these free brown bag lunch programs range from Vincent Van Gogh and musical programs to antiques, tornadoes and growing dahlias.

But the partnerships which all libraries are so willing to establish make libraries a source of endless continuing education opportunities. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting with Mark Weber, Dean of Libraries at Kent State University. Mark told me about a program which Kent State library has instituted to reach high school students. This outreach endeavor introduces high school students to those resources which they will have access to in college should they choose to attend an institution of higher education in Ohio. This not only allows them to be better prepared but also makes them aware of what Ohio colleges and universities have to offer and stems the brain drain that threatens our economy.

Partnerships between public and school libraries also lead to positive outcomes in education and opportunities for enhanced education. When KnowItNow was introduced to Ohio last September, Meribah Mansfield, Director of Worthington Public Library, made it a point to work with the public schools of Worthington to introduce them to this service and help them to promote it to Worthington residents including students.

Libraries of all types promote education and provide opportunities for learning at every time of life. Our partnerships – between libraries, governmental agencies, social institutions, to name just a few – do nothing but strengthen our educational role and ensure the success of our outreach efforts.