University of Chicago Library: ASRS

The Definition of a "Learning Organization"

A learning organization is "an organization that is able to transform itself by acquiring new knowledge, skills, or behaviors. In successful learning organizations, individual learning is continuous, knowledge is shared, and the culture supports learning. Employees are encouraged to think critically and take risks with new ideas. All employees' contributions are valued".

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(The Learning Organization: An Integrative Vision for HRD, by Victoria J. Marsick and Karen E. Watkins, Human Resource Development Quarterly, Winter 1994; and "Learning Organizations Come Alive," by Martha A. Gephart, Victoria J. Marsick, Mark E. Van Buren, and Michelle S. Spiro, Training & Development, December 1996).



Here are a few links that, in my opinion, are important to the foundational behind a "learning organization" for both library and non-library environments alike:
1) Society for Organizational Learning
2) North Suburban Library System
3) The University of Arizona Library: Living the Future-Conferences

posted by Christopher @ 5:15 PM