On October 24 -27, I attended the National Conference for the American Association of School Librarians. Several school librarians from Utah attended for the first time because it was “close by.” It was, hmmm, how do I say this….., FANTASTIC!!! I am now convinced that every school librarian needs to join this organization and attend its conferences.
Every conference or convention has its vendor exhibit floor, but just imagine a convention hall filled with nothing but books and services for school libraries! It was heavenly! And, they even had the foresight to have a satellite US post office right in the exhibit hall so attendees could conveniently send all those books home!
The keynote speaker was Dan Pink the author of “A Whole New Mind.” (I got an autographed copy). Pink is a business writer, but said he enjoys talking to librarians because we “get it.” His thesis is that while the “Information Age” has been dominated by left brained thinking, we are now moving into what he calls the “Conceptual Age” which will require a re-emphasis on right brained (holistic, artistic, empathetic) skills.
His argument is compelling and his book lists six aptitudes or “Senses” that he feels successful people will need to develop. These are: 1. Design, 2. Story, 3. Symphony, 4. Empathy, 5. Play, and 6. Meaning. The implications these ideas could have for public education are profound. I strongly recommend the book.