[Publib] children of staff

[Cathy Nuding]

I am employed at a library where, at any given shift, there may only  
be one librarian in the building. So, I if have to leave for child  
care reasons, I may leave the building without a librarian, but it is  
a choice that is actually a more professional one than pretending to  
be able to be an employee while my parenting is really in the  
forefront of my mind and actions.  I have two boys, 3 and 5. I would  
never bring the 3 year old- no way! I'd be a parent, not an employee.  
My five year old came once when he couldn't attend school and all of  
my well-laid backup plans collapsed, and I would never do it again- I  
was too stressed trying to make sure he was ok and that I gave patrons  
the attention they deserved. I do bring them to meetings if they are  
before work hours, since they do know how to entertain themsleves in  
the picture books area. I am paid to be at work, and there is an  
expectation that the salary I receive is to do a job for the library,  
not for my kids. Of course, I don't have enough paid time off for all  
the emergencies that arise, but I have backup upon backup, and the  
understanding of my boss (to whom I am eternally grateful) to take  
emergency time when all else fails. Employee and parent are two  
different titles, and for the sake of the profession, shouldn't be  
mixed. Does the doctor ever have his/her child in the office while  
you're there? Would you feel you were getting the care you deserved if  
he/she did? After my boys in full-time grade school, I'll probably  
feel a bit different about a "once in a while presence", but I'd ask  
for a written policy first (we don't have one) to protect myself, my  
co-workers and the service expectation to the public.
Just my rambling thoughts...
Cathy

Cathy Nuding, Youth Services Librarian
East Fishkill Community Library
348 Route 376
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
(845)221-9943 ext. 233