Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills Report

[tweetmeme source=”librarianbyday” only_single=false]The Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills Report from The Institute of Museums and Library Services looks at the role of libraries and museums in 21st Century Skills. It offers a plethora of useful information and suggestions in a concise readable format (only 40 pages) and it includes case studies and an interactive online assessment.

It includes a list of 6 steps with suggestions to build involvement, engagement and momentum:

1. Engage with Community.
2. Establish the Vision.
3. Assess Current Status.
4. Implement a Prioritized Plan.
5. Focus on Comprehensive Alignment.
6. Track and Communicate Progress

There is a nice (and extensive) break down list of 21st Century literacies and skills along with definitions.

Learning and Innovation Skills

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Reason Effectively
  • Use Systems Thinking
  • Make Judgments and Decisions
  • Solve Problems
• Creativity and Innovation
  • Think Creatively
  • Work Creatively with Others
  • Implement Innovations
• Communication and Collaboration
  • Communicate Clearly
  • Collaborate with Others
• Visual Literacy
• Scientific and Numerical Literacy
• Cross-disciplinary Thinking
• Basic Literacy

Skills like critical thinking and problem solving are not only relevant for K-12 students and schools. There are millions of adult learners not in formal education programs looking to refine workplace skills. Even school-aged children spend the overwhelming majority of their waking hours in non-school settings, and increasingly they spend this time in organized out-of-school settings such as afterschool, museum, and library programs. In these settings, they develop important skills—such as problem solving, collaboration, global awareness, and selfdirection—not only for lifelong learning and everyday activities, but also for use back in K-12 schools and college classrooms.

Information, Media and Technology Skills

• Information Literacy
  • Access and Evaluate Information
  • Use and Manage Information
• Media Literacy
  • Analyze Media
  • Create Media Products
• ICT (Information, Communications, and Technology) LITERACY
  • Apply Technology Effectively

Competencies like critical thinking, global awareness, and media literacy are no longer simply desirable—they are necessary. If 21st century skills are the new design specifications for national and individual success, our nation’s libraries and museums are well-positioned to respond to this need.

21st Century Themes

• Global Awareness
• Financial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy
• Civic Literacy
• Health Literacy
• Environmental Literacy

Concerted action is required to meet the educational, economic, civic, and cultural needs of the community.Establishing a compelling vision around 21st century skills is critical.

Life and Career Skills

• Flexibility and Adaptability
  • Adapt to Change
  • Be Flexible
• Initiative and Self-direction
  • Manage Goals and Time
  • Work Independently
  • Be Self-directed Learners
• Social and Cross-cultural Skills
  • Interact Effectively with Others
  • Work Effectively in Diverse Teams
• Productivity and Accountability
  • Manage Projects
  • Produce Results
• Leadership and Responsibility
  • Guide and Lead Others
  • Be Responsible to Others