Challenging Paradigms “Lori Reed's advocacy and leadership efforts,” says Helene Blowers, director of digital strategy, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH (and a 2007 Mover & Shaker), “challenge the old paradigms that only the 'MLS-degreed' can add value and be leaders.”
“Doesn't it benefit libraries to have staff with a variety of knowledge, skills, and experience?” asks Reed. She “benefited” her library—and many others—by creating the popular “7½ Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners” tutorial as part of an online learning project through her volunteer work with WebJunction. It kicked off PLCMC's widely emulated Learning 2.0 program, which has been adopted nationwide.
Reed, who began her career as a firefighter/emergency medical technician, knows the value of training, with 15 years in the field. When she sees a need, she fills it. She co-created the Free Use Photos Flickr group to collect copyright-free photos to deploy in presentations. It now has “over 2600 photos that anyone can use, for any purpose, without attribution.” She launched the Library Learning Google Group for library trainers worldwide.
Sarah Washburn of TechSoup's The MaintainIT Project notes Reed's title stresses learning, not training: “Learning is at the core of Lori,” she explains—and Reed helps us all take responsibility for our own lifelong learning.
