Information and digital literacy in education via the digital path

Website of librarian, writer, speaker, consultant and LIS educator, Meredith Gorran Farkas. Includes the popular Information Wants to be Free blog.

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I think libraries need to look at how to make the wisdom of the library available to patrons in an unmediated format. I fully recognize that not all of our patrons fit the DIY stereotype, but I do believe that creating tools that replicate the aspects of the reference interaction on a website will provide all of our students with the tools they need to be successful.

Betty Ray is Edutopia's senior blog editor and community manager.

Do it Yourself -- or DIY -- culture has been around since the 90s. (Remember 'zines, and indie record labels?) Now that technology is a gazillion times cheaper, more pervasive and powerful, the DIY movement is spreading into almost every aspect of society.

This has powerful implications for teachers; many of whom are participating in some innovative (and low-cost, or free) professional development opportunities. To that end, I would argue that we are amid a learning renaissance, and that the DIY movement is one of its most powerful catalysts.

How can an educator, librarian, or maker create a do-it-yourself badge system? What resources are out there for people who want to build a small-scale badge system?