It was late afternoon as I made my way to the third floor of the library. I sat near the center of the room at a table that was just as excited to see me as I was to be there. Searchengines and research...all old hat and tiresome. Cheryl Stiles was excited for us to be there and as she started up the title page for the citation software she briefly mentioned what it can do. At that moment, the cruel visceral wrath of fate jarred the neurons in my jaw, lips, and vocal cords to produce a series of sounds and enunciation that would echo through the rest of Cheryl's presentation:"I resist any computer aid to writing a citation because of where I work." Following that moment, Cheryl made it clear to incorporate that sentiment into her presentation with one quip after another meant to jibe at my distaste. Singled out? Not possible. I think she was standing on the grassy knoll. Her presentation was effective, entertaining, albeit painfully so, and informative. I was so pleased to discover the films on demand aspect of GALILEO. I left that room quickly, nursing the wounds of every dart thrown.
We reconvened in the bowels of the library, a dark demesne buried under tons of concrete, brick, steel, and books. The dark shadowy halls echoed the quiet, yet bemused, feel of every step. As I approached the Rare Book Room, I noted the often closed door standing gaping wide like the open arms of an old familiar friend waiting for an embrace. The dark wood-paneled walls stood in silent affirmation of the dignity and pride placed into each and every inch of the room. Miss Impey-Imes bubbled with excitement as she practically exploded into her presentation. She described each book, each piece of history, and each story locked in the walls and tomes with a zeal found in a 4-year old looking to share a new world with those around them. We began to share her awe, excitement, and delight as the rare tomes passed from hand to hand. The ancient pages showing the wear and tear of time and loving care. I held the beauty of writing in many glorious stages of our human history. Multiple Nerd-gasms.
What an experience! My students are about to stab themselves in their ears if they have to hear me pontificate about Chaucer for another minute. It was such a profound experience that I don't think they could ever really grasp.
ReplyDeleteIt saddens me to no end the lack of appreciation that most of today's youth has towards the history of literature and its gargantuan influence in every aspect of the modern world. I honestly don't know if they will ever gain that appreciation because of the change in times and everything being digital and technologically driven. Damn you, Kindle!
I actually want to get a Kindle - but I will still always prefer the texture and smell of the old fashioned book.