FW: [Publib] Why public librarianship?

[Sue Bowser]

The first library I worked at received a $250,000 bequest, a large chunk of
change in the late sixties.  The reason the library received the money (I'm
old, but not that old) is that the donor felt that only the public library,
the fire company, and the ambulance service served all members of the
community regardless of age, sex, ethnic background, religion, and social
and economic background.   That always seemed a good reason to be a public
librarian.  It is also a good reminder on those days when I am finding some
library users less than marvelous.

Sue Bowser
Manager, Adult Services
Lancaster Public Library
125 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 239-2117
sbowser at lancaster.lib.pa.us

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of smithaa at oplin.org
Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2006 7:12 AM
To: PUBLIB
Subject: Re: [Publib] Why public librarianship?

Several of you have alluded to the broad spectrum of users and their
respective reasons for visiting the library. My sense, though, is that
this "variety" has a really important social justice aspect that has not
been explored.

Is there a more radically egalitarian institution than the American public
library? We have this variety of users precisely because we accept all
comers and serve them without bias. Most of us make every effort to come
as closely to this ideal as we can.

We have, as a profession in general, attempted to embrace every new
format, every possible demographic, and every possible community role.
Yes, we have been guilty, at times, of spreading ourselves too thinly, of
taking on too many roles. Our service level has on occasion suffered
accordingly.

But the motivating ideal of service may be found in its purest form in the
public library. And even though well intentioned funding sources (library
boards, legislatures, and other governing bodies) that are
representational democratic bodies often struggle to understand the
egalitarian ideal of universal service, it is found, and found abundantly,
in the American public library.

This is a big reason why I am here, and hope to remain.

Aaron
Cataloging/Reference Services
Clermont County Public Library, Ohio
smithaa at oplin.org




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