I spent an hour practicing coding the Google logo via scratch. It was definitely a challenge; coding involves a lot of precision and problem solving. Often I would think that I clicked the right action, but the movement would not be what I intended. I can see this being a frustrating activity, and one that requires much practice. However, the benefits of spending time learning a new activity and putting myself out of my comfort zone are essential for growth and personal development.

At my school, we participate in hour of code every year, and my students try coding using similar activities to code.org/learn. It is exciting to see students embrace this activity and work through the challenges and frustrations. Even the students who are less interested get something out of it, especially when they are successful, even minutely. Seeing the final product can be very rewarding.

Embracing coding in the library can enhance literacy and problem solving. Mary Moen notes, “Proponents see that computer coding helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and these are at the core of our professional mission: to help people understand how to solve problems using information effectively, which are skills that support people as lifelong learners” (2016). Recognizing that there are lots of different ways to develop these skills is essential. Just as there are many types of books, there are many ways to help people learn problem solving and critical thinking. Coding is another approach that we can embrace to support people to further develop their minds.

In addition, according to David Dodge, “Game design teaches valuable skills that can be used in a variety of fields – including software design, UI/UX (user interface / user experience), teamwork, management, and marketing” (2018). While the former two skills may be more job specific, the latter three are skills necessary in many work environments. Coding is a way to develop not only critical thinking skills, but also communication and interpersonal skills. Recognizing the value in collaboration and teamwork is crucial to growing in the greater community.

There are lots of ways to develop life skills like problem solving and critical thinking, and coding is an excellent outlet for people to grow. Even if a librarian does not enjoy coding personally, this is still a place where he or she can support others who do. Embracing coding as a source of learning and development is important, especially as it continues to be relevant in our modern world.

Barkley, A. (2015, September 07). Black Lives Matter: Building Empathy Through Reading (Part I). Retrieved July 17, 2020, from http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2015/01/19/black-lives-matter-building-empathy-through-reading-part-i/

Moen, M. (2016, September 30). ILA’s Blog. Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://www.literacyworldwide.org/blog/literacy-now/2016/09/30/computer-coding-and-literacy-librarians-lead-the-connection