[Publib] SPL issues

[Rebecca Bronson]

Well said, Cully. And a very sound argument in favor of the much-beleagured
MLS.

Rebecca Bronson
Reference Librarian
Handley Regional Library
P.O. Box 1300
Stephens City, VA  22655

540-869-9000 (voice)
540-869-9001 (fax)

www.hrl.lib.state.va.us


-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Cully Sommers
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 12:06 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] SPL issues


Having worked in a large unionized urban library for many years,
the SPL situation sounds eerily familiar;

Security: Danger from criminal behavior and issues with the mentally ill are
always a
concern in every urban PL environment (especially when your state closes
mental hospitals).
Staffing issues, especially as Gerald Ward describes, are important to the
equation.  Our library has a crack security staff at the Main Library, and
recently uprgraded camera surveillance after an attack on a page.
Unfortunately our branches have only one contracted guard at each, hardly
ideal.
Incidents do occur.  All of the security guards in the world can't stop
that, nor should any library
have to become an impenetrable fortress.  The point Ward raises is valid in
that a trained full-time staff member should always be on duty; dealing with
the ever present urban ills is not only the responsibility of security
guards, it is the responsibility of the professional librarian.
Why do we need a Master's degree? In order to become equipped to deal with
our work
environments in a professional and conscientious manner.  Being
conscientious entails
recognizing the perils of working in an urban PL.  There is plenty of
relevant literature on the subject of problem patrons.  It is the duty of
any public librarian to be attuned to their community, and have the ability
to respond to any situation in a professional manner. We are (or should be)
trained for this.  Ward complains of "no, staff, untrained staff, inadequate
staff"; this is undesirable, but as M. McGrorty states, common.
    And a union issue.  McGrorty is also correct that "rolling everything
into a
ball of philosophies and goals makes for a smashing failure". If you want to
deal with security, deal with security. As for....

Collection development:  K. Schneider rightly sees that the fight over
collection development is misguided.  There are obstructionist, Luddite
librarians.  Here, many retired, were reassigned, stayed on to fight
silently, or gave up.  The typical (I 'm beginning to see) large urban PL
problems we've endured, financial malfeasance, contract battles, security
concerns, us vs. them staff-administration etc (Ohh, I could go on) had
become intertwined with cd issues.  Many librarians still complain about the
popularization, but this is the minority.  While many former and current
librarians would say the situation here is horrible, the current admin (and
libraries everywhere) appear to be embracing popular and a-v, not out of
spite, but rather upon sound cd philosophy.  Give 'em what they want.
Isn't this yet another aspect of our professional specialization?  Doesn't a
'good' librarian have the acumen to provide a balance of educational and
recreational materials?  We are (or should be) trained for this.  If SPL
dictates a coll. development policy, the librarian should be able to carry
it out.  Our library directed us to turn away from our history as a research
library and focus on purchasing popular materials.  I'm of two minds.  As a
Classics major, I truly believe in the edifying value of classics.  As a
librarian, budget constraints and public demand dictate the focus on
popular.  Many "classic" novels were considered trash by past pedants.  The
public library owes it to its public to provide the materials they want.
Within the parameters of the admin's directive I buy Don Quixote AND
Confessions of a Video Vixen.

I guess my point is (i know you've been hoping I would make one!), your MLIS
degree takes these issues into account.  It is up to you as a public
librarian to use your expertise to deal with them.

Everyone is right.  Ward has legitimate-ish beef.  Schallan is amazing.
McGrorty is right on.  Schneider is reasonable and right. Casey offers valid
alternative.  The Librarian in Black post and comments hit all of the marks.
  Use the power of your professionalism to shape your environment.  Union
issues are union issues. Being a public librarian demands your astuteness,
ingenuity, intellect and judgment.  Use them.

Cully Sommers

_________________________________________________________________
Need a break? Find your escape route with Live Search Maps.
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?ss=Restaurants~Hotels~Amusement%20Park&cp=
33.832922~-117.915659&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1118863&
encType=1&FORM=MGAC01

_______________________________________________
Publib mailing list
Publib at webjunction.org
http://lists.webjunction.org/mailman/listinfo/publib