La Grande JAM

(Image courtesy of Pixabay - no attribution required) Full disclosure:  I know absolutely nothing about this topic.  Therefore, before even beginning this post, much research was required.  Once I began reading about Library for All, the International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions (IFLA), the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Bibliothèque Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders) among others, I found myself amazed at the work many organizations are undertaking in order to create a world with universal literacy and also understood more clearly the role libraries play in developing nations to help end poverty. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development signed in 2015, is a framework of 17 goals touching on economic, environmental and social development and it's ultimate goal is to make the world a better place for all human beings.  Libraries have been identified as key partners in achieving these goals. ( IFLA )...

The importance of balance... As I find myself trying to come up with a focused inquiry for LIBE477, where technology will play a central role, I am also conflicted.  The reason:  I am worried about the impact technology is having on society and more importantly, on kids.  How do we strike a balance? Years ago, when I taught the Renaissance in SS9, I would tell the kids about the Bonfire of the Vanities.  Short history lesson... Jerome Savoranole was a Dominican priest who spent his life fighting corruption in the Catholic Church.  In Florence in 1490, he denounced the luxurious life led by certain Florentines.  In response to his criticism, people built these huge bonfires and burned wigs, clothes, art work and books, etc.  I would ask students what they would throw in the bonfire today, keeping in mind it had to be something that was negatively impacting society.  At the time, call waiting was a new function on home phones, and I always...