The topic was "The present and future for Seminar Libraries in the United State".
I really like the philosophical thinking for comparing the concetps between "sedentary" and "Peripatetic" Information.
Dr. Richard D. Blake used the metaphor of "Plato" and "Aristotle".Plato was a man who represented the unfailing truth and steadfast power.
Aristotle loved to find the truth from doing researches, observing, recording and asking questions.
Aristotle enjoyed walking around with his friends and students.
Plato was playing the role of school teacher like today.
However, we can see the famous painting here:
(Picture was linked from here : http://www.charmaineyoest.com/2006/12/the_personal_and_the_polis_the_1.php)
You see that: Plato was walking with Aristotle.
Dr. Richard D. Blake said that reference librarians used to sit the table and had no time to look at or hear patrons questions.
They were too busy about the book collection and coding issues to concern patrons' needs and feelings.
Today's reference librarians should understand the differences of patrons' needs and the priorities so that they could shift the work mode between mode of Plato and the mode of Aristotle properly.
We already know this recommendation and keep it in practice.
I really like this metaphor because it reminds me that we should not try to tell what is the only right answer for reference work in the comtemporary society.
Patrons are always right and they deserve better services in libraries.
Not because it is kind of capitalism but because the nature of public services is to help "people" with best effort.
How can reference librarians be in the future?
Let's see.
HYH
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