[Publib] How Important is ALA Accreditation?

[Robert L. Balliot]

Greetings Judy,

 

I am so uncomfortable with the statement:

 

"Eliminating candidates on such a basis prevents charges of unfair

hiring practices"

 

I am not uncomfortable with the fact that you stated it.  I

am uncomfortable with the fact that it is so true.

 

Years ago, in a library not so far away I had made a hiring 

recommendation for a candidate who was exceptionally qualified

well beyond any of the other applicants.

 

The candidate had a perfect work record, had degrees, and

had published a book between jobs. The job was non-professional.

I was told that I could not hire because the HR department had found out
that the

candidate was a troublemaker and had filed a sexual harassment

charge at a previous job.  And, won the complaint. Other

reasons that would prevent charges of unfair hiring

practices would be officially given.

 

I was instructed to hire another candidate who had no intention

of staying in the position, but had family connections with

the institution. They left after a few months of collecting paychecks

as expected and the hiring process began again.   I objected to 

the decision made by HR for a number of reasons, but had no authority to 

change the process.

 

Filing a valid sexual harassment charge and going through

that process to resolve the problem when it took place

took a great deal of courage.  I respect courage in 

employees and the willingness to stand up for their

rights.

 

Publishing a book is a magnificent accomplishment and given

that many of the subordinate employees would be aspiring

writers, interaction with an intelligent and motivated person

is a very positive factor.  I felt that the candidate exhibited 

qualities that a real institution dedicated to learning would

want - along with the ability to move up in the organization.

 

The 'gatekeeping' mentality of HR does not necessarily

mean that the best qualified candidate will be hired. In fact, 

it can mean that the situation can be manipulated

to make it possible for less qualified and productive

employees to be installed.  It may certainly prevent

charges of unfair hiring practices, but, in my mind, the focus should

be on who can contribute the  most to the mission.

 

Newton, Copernicus, Einstein, and Curie - HR certainly could

find paper reasons not to hire them that would prevent

charges of unfair hiring practices.

 

*************************************************

Join: http://gotbooks.ning.com/

Robert L. Balliot

1-401-441-5763

Skype: RBalliot

Bristol, Rhode Island

http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm

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From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Judith Turner
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2007 7:46 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org; Forman, Robert, DCA
Subject: RE: [Publib] How Important is ALA Accreditation?


It's the sort of objective way of disqualifying applicants that HR
departments prefer.  It's been established by legal challenges and court
cases. Eliminating candidates on such a basis prevents charges of unfair
hiring practices.  The number of exams to reviews or interviews to be
conducted is reduced as is the time required to do security and reference
checks.

Judy Turner
Whitefish Bay, WI




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