Brown & Duguid - Learning

Brown and Duguid argue that despite the fact that growing technology enables us work apart, there is an enormous value in people working together. People learn from functioning within social groups. They are supported by each other, they learn from each other’s know-how, and social groups provide learning experiences. When people attempt to learn in isolation and without a particular purpose (knowledge for the sake of knowledge), learning is much more difficult. When there is a task in mind, a goal to meet, or simply an available opportunity, people tend to learn quickly and with much more ease.

These ideas can be applied in an educational system by providing learners not only with information (which was argued to be very different from knowledge), but also with skilled and experienced teachers who already possess knowledge on the subject(s) being taught. By interacting with a person who has a wealth of knowledge on a particular topic, even if intentional learning doesn’t take place, accidental learning will. However, learning should not only be an isolated interaction between the student and the teacher. By allowing students to interact with each other, they can help each other and share their own knowledge to benefit others. Brown and Duguid would also argue that educational institutions should allow students plenty of opportunities for practice. With practice, students will not only become better at using their knowledge, they will also learn through experience when to apply it.

As for library staff training, the same ideas on learning apply. Staff should work in close proximity to enable them to pick up accidental knowledge from each other. All staff members should be willing to share their expertise with others. The training doesn’t necessarily need to be through formal lessons. It can be done through informal, everyday work interactions. In addition, practice is critical. Staff members unfamiliar with particular tasks should be encouraged to try them, and ask for help from co-workers whenever it is needed.