We are frequently reminded that the world’s a changing place and that the world that young people will inherit and shape in the future is likely to look very different to the one we experience today. In particular, the world of work looks set to change dramatically with predictions such as,
“Up to 800 million workers globally could be displaced by robotic automation by 2030” (McKinsey – Jobs lost, Jobs gained, 2017)
And
“A generation ago, the half-life of a skill was about 26 years”… today, it’s four and a half years and dropping (Indranil Roy – Future of Work)
So what can librarians do to help support young people for these new and unchartered times? In particular, how can librarians help students develop the skills and competencies to thrive in an ever changing workplace which look set to be built on digital foundations supported by finely tuned soft skills.
Here are five ideas I’ve tried or ‘borrowed’ from others that I think are worth a try
Number One: You can’t be what you can’t see
Libraries reflect their communities, embrace the diversity around them and are windows into other worlds. Working in girls-only environments, I am acutely aware of the need for female role models to be reflected in our stock choices, in the posters we put on the walls and the speakers and guests we invite into the library. If the future workforce need to be more tech savvy and STEM skills are in demand, we must ensure students from all backgrounds have ‘real models’ as well as ‘role models’ they can identify with and aspire to be.
Number Two: Involvement the parent community
Schools are only part of the picture when students are considering their career choices- parent support is a really important part too. Research indicates a significant minority, around 23%, of parents consider digital skills as irrelevant to career prospects. We need to address these issues with appropriate guidance and support if we are to close the digital skills gap for future generations. One practical way of approaching this is to invite parents into the library, for example to work alongside their children to learn about these future skills, e.g. by using materials provided by Hour of Code.
Number Three: Learning anytime, anywhere
Until we see significant curriculum and assessment reform in the UK, then much of our work around developing skills for the digital future will happen during extra-curricular time. Libraries often come alive at times of the day when other parts of the school are resting- before lessons begin, during break and lunchtimes and after school. Running activities such as Code Clubs but also debating, journalism, arts and crafts clubs in the library- all activities which help develop the so-called ‘soft skills’ can help students to explore their options in an informal, safe setting.
Number Four: Transform your working environment
Makerspaces foster opportunities for hands-on learning and creation, often enabled by emerging technologies and supported by staff in positions such as ‘Scientist in Residence’, ‘Coder in Residence’ and librarians. These specialist spaces often house tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and animation software and emphasises design thinking through hands-on activity. These flexible, tech-enabled spaces, allow students to develop their skills in highly collaborative, exciting environments.
Number five: Don’t go it alone
You might be reading this and thinking this is all well and good but I don’t feel qualified to deliver this sort of training and even if I do my to do list is already far too long. I completely agree. The library is perfectly placed to feed off what other colleagues are doing and projects that already exist in the local area. Find like-minded colleagues, start the chat in the staffroom and see where you get with clubs, activities, workshops and lessons that help to prepare students for life after school, whatever they decide to do.
And despite all of the above, a final note of caution…
Whilst I think all of these suggestions can help young people feel more confident and ready to face life beyond the school gates, I also want to caveat them with the acknowledgement that schools do not have to be a mirror of society. With the relentless change, the unceasing striving for the next technological gadget and the noise and speed of life, schools, and school libraries in particular, can play a central role in helping students to take a step back, to reflect and to enjoy the simple, quiet pleasures of life.
If you’re supporting your students with digital skills development (in schools, FE or HE), I’d love to hear from you- please get in touch on Twitter (@digitalGDST) or via email- a.icke@wes.gdst.net
Written by Amy Icke
Online Learning and Innovation Manager at the Girls’ Day School Trust
@digitalGDST
CILIP London 