[Publib] children of staff

[Andrea Berstler - Director]

I wasn't going to weigh in on this but I think there are some other things
to consider.
We have had staff bring children into work on occasion - mostly during
programs they are running or if the kids have to stop in after school. I
have never had any problems with my staff parenting and working, but perhaps
being a tiny, tiny library, things are different. 

The library here cannot afford to pay the staff what they deserve or what
they would need to hire full time daycare. I work the schedule around
spouses schedules, vacations, sitters' hours, etc as a way to try and
compensate for the low pay scale. I would have to think that I am not the
only director in this boat. 

My staff, on the other hand, has never taken undue advantage of this
situation or put me in the corner by taking advantage of this kindness and
keeping their children here beyond their welcome. Perhaps if we grow into a
medium sized library, I will have to change my tune, but since I am trying
to make my library welcoming for everyone in the community, I should do what
I can to make it welcoming for my staff and their families too. 

Strictly my two cents worth, 

Andrea 
A tiny, tiny library in PA

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Cathy Nuding
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 2:27 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] children of staff

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

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