[Publib] LJ article and comparisons with churches, religious groups, et al.

[John]

While the comparison between speakers at ALA/PLA/Whatever-LA and voluntary work in the C/church may or may not be valid--I am inclined to agree with Ms Houghton-Jan re: that validity, or lack thereof--I would simply offer that most churches, i.e., local congregations, when presented with paying something, generally want something for nothing.  Translated: Churches are generally CHEAP.  I write from experience, both as one who has been paid by churches [full-time] and as one who has led several congregations, and had my eyes opened to this when a cleric who filled in for me one Sunday morning pointed out that he was paid less for his trouble (already working a full-time job, had to balance preparing a sermon with his "real" work and family duties, et al.) than the organist was for his, and by a considerable amount.  (Note: This was NOT in a parish that had a world-class musician who might well claim top dollars.)  As one who now, himself, fills in at various churches when they are without a full-time cleric, the truth still holds.  Churches are cheap.

So, as I write this, actually, I'm thinking there's *some* comparison between libraries and churches, because most usually are underfunded *and* try to buy services and goods for as little as possible.  Nevertheless, I'm still inclined to agree with Ms Houghton-Jan, and perhaps our own professional organizations need to ponder whether or not we are as penny-pinching, in an unhelpful way, as some others.  And I really do mean "we"--not just the folks who run--for lack of a better word--our organizations, but all of us, since we *are* the organizations.  That could apply to our very own libraries in which we work.  I like a bargain (as my wife would tell you, repeatedly) as much as anyone...*and*, at APPL we have moved to offering various program-providers at least a small stipend, if they're not part of some bigger program/project with a set cost, for their trouble.  It's sometimes the least we can do, literally and figuratively, but it's a start.


John D. Richmond, Director
Alpha Park Public Library District
3527 So. Airport Road
Bartonville, IL 61607-1799
Ph: (309) 697-3822, x. 12
Fax: (309) 697-9681
Email: jrichmond at alphapark.org
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