They were practicing taking notes. One of the things that a researcher might find themselves needing to do.
So what was my answer?
"Yes, great question! If you were doing some research on something, you'd make notes right? And where can you find information?"
His answer?
"Oh, ok, the library."
Sometimes younger students don't make the connection with the library and finding (and processing) information. When they are older, the ability to come to the library, find information and take notes will be very useful. Yes, there are photocopiers and printers. But still, they'll need to know how to highlight and choose appropriate facts for whatever they're studying.
Even if students don't actually come in to the physical library and stay at home instead to use online resources, the ability to strip out and digest knowledge will stand them in good stead.
Many libraries have now developed extensive online collections - especially universities.
This means potentially less students in the physical library, so they really will need to know how to do things for themselves. (Although luckily, in most of these libraries, an online librarian is only a chat window away). When today's students find themselves in the workforce, they will discover that having good research skills will give them the competitve edge.
Having worked with university students and new graduates, it's clear that many of them have not acquired sufficient information skills, and may not do so until they find themselves in the workforce and are mentored by competent researchers.
So here's hoping that some of the information finding skills we're sharing here in the library, and in the school as a whole, are enabling a whole future generation of Harrow kids to arrive at the university library (and the world) with a distinct information finding advantage.
p.s. Wondering where the title quote comes from? Hint: it's someone who was very successful.
