[Publib] Perplexed Librarian 2007 – Part Four/One

[Gerald Ward]

First, I would like to thank all for allowing me to collect my thoughts and 
vent.  I am trying to remain professional so I can understand the situation 
faced in the large public library serving Sacramento.  One of the things I 
have learned over the years is to listen to those who have legitimate 
complaints, listen to those who just need to vent, distinguish between the 
two, and in most cases, not try to offer advice.  Most of the people who 
speak with me do not want me to solve their problems.  They simple want 
someone to listen and say they understand.  Even if I disagree with them, 
unless they are doing something illegal or immoral, I will not try to come 
to any conclusions or suggest remedies.  Sounds like therapy.

The questions I pose at the end of each ramble (thank you to those who 
listen and actually pay attention), in these cases, are truly not 
rhetorical.  I do want answers.  But, I also want my colleagues around the 
country to listen, pay attention to what I am saying, and say you 
understand, even if you disagree.  I do not wear my heart on my sleeve, so 
it is hard to hurt me.  And, yes, I am taking all of the responses 
seriously.

I guess you could view my postings as more therapeutic, a search for insight 
that will help me grow.  I am continually evaluating my performance, based 
upon verbal expectations and the work ethic instilled as I was growing.  
While I am trying to understand and come to resolution, except for the 
mental health issues (I believe I am brutally honest with myself) the 
situation occurring in Sacramento is not about me.  It is about the issues I 
am raising, point by point, so I may understand the exact problem, or 
problems.  To make the situation about a single person, or even the 
silliness of the collection, is to create a subterfuge to distract away from 
the real issues.  I’m not going to allow that.

Now, I need to answer one specific attitude I have seen arise.  The attitude 
suggest that any who work in an Urban library, which naturally encounter 
difficult “customers” as a result of being in a specific place, the nature 
of the beast, they should simply accept their place in life, the place of 
the library in that community, or get out of Dodge.

No.

Last time I checked there are laws against criminal behavior, and rules of 
conduct posted outlining unacceptable behavior.  This library attracts 
people from all over the county.  Those few who come to the library, and 
then act in a socially unacceptable or a criminal manner, or asked to stop 
their activity or leave.  If they do not, they are asked to leave, or the 
police are called to remove them.  The urban setting is irrelevant.  I will 
apply the rules of conduct in a manner which allows everyone to have an 
enjoyable experience in the library.  I will not allow one person to disrupt 
the work and time of every one around them.  I will not question policy and 
procedure which I think drives people away instead of encouraging them to 
come in.

Yes, there are two sides to this story.  Actually, there are over 300 sides 
to this story.

If the moderators think it is time for me to stop I will do so.  Otherwise, 
for my own peace of mind, I will continue a little longer, to present my 
side.

Thank You for listening, even if you don’t agree.

Gerald F. Ward
SPLibrarian at hotmail.com

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