Observations

   I would like to make some observations about the conference I attended that may or may not have some bearing on our current discussion topics. I actually tried to get out of going when I realized that the start date for this class was just days before we were to leave for the conference, but I'm actually very glad my director talked me into going. A couple of experiences have application for the conversations we've been engaging in.
    As I was glancing at the schedule of presenters, one topic stood out immediately:  "Purposeful Use of Facebook and Twitter in an Academic Library: Strategies, Policies, engagements, and Impressions". How neat is that? The conclusion reached by this individual's library was that the effort to participate in a social media program was definitely worthwhile. This decision was backed up by the increase in activity that was realized after restructuring their existing program.
     A highlight of the gathering came at the end of a long day of sessions and various activities. A faculty member at the host university gave a piano concert. He played with great intensity and feeling. He literally made the piano sing. I couldn't help but make an application for librarianship. This man used his tool, in this case the piano, to entertain, uplift, and inspire the audience. Had we been listening to the same music on a CD or a mobile device, I venture to say the experience wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable. Why? Because we wouldn't have witnessed his facial expressions, technique, and the heart he put into his performance. This live performance was emotionally charged and engaging.
     Similarly, we as librarians have a vast arsenal of tools at our disposal for helping students, but we can't lose sight of how much more can be brought to the table by "live" encounters. Our nonverbal cues that make us approachable, our technique used in reference interviews, and the passion we have for our jobs can make for rewarding experiences for our users.
    That's not to say that we can't accomplish the same objectives with mobile technologies and such like, but we will have to make a conscious effort to make these tools "sing" and give them a human touch.