[Publib] Sacred cows

[Robert Balliot]

The notion of  'sacred cow' in Hinduism/India  is not necessarily religious,
it was a practical consideration.  The cows are
not 'sacred'.   The cow is Aghanya--which meant it should not be
slaughtered.  They were not slaughtered because they
had more value as producers of milk.  Not religion, economics.

So, using the idiom 'sacred cow' is more of a judgement regarding the
relative of value short-term profit maximization (meat
for a month) over long term value (milk for years).   It is not 'politically
incorrect', it is simply a idiom that helps to  explain
a concept.

R. Balliot
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com


On Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 6:16 PM, Kate McCaffrey <katem at twcny.rr.com> wrote:

>  We actually talked about this at our recent staff development day, and at
> each table groups were asked to suggest some things that we accept as
> important and continue to do without really determining whether or not they
> are still necessary or productive.  We referred to it as the “sacred cow”
> exercise (sorry Dale, I’m ashamed to say that I never thought about being
> culturally sensitive).
>
>
>
> It was useful and interesting to see what the groups came up with, and some
> of our board members asked questions about it afterward, because they’d been
> given an agenda along with my monthly report.  It generated some discussion
> there too.
>
>
>
> I’m indebted to Jeanne Goodrich for the idea,
>
>
>
> Kate McCaffrey
>
> Kate McCaffrey, Director
>
> Northern Onondaga Public Library
>
> Cicero, NY
>
>
>  ------------------------------
>
> *From:* publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:
> publib-bounces at webjunction.org] *On Behalf Of *Dale McNeill
> *Sent:* Friday, June 19, 2009 5:50 PM
> *To:* publib
> *Subject:* [Publib] Sacred cows
>
>
>
> Hello all--
>
> A couple of points.
>
> The exercise of examining services (and processes) to see if we're doing
> something just because we've been doing it is a very useful thing.  I would
> encourage any library to do this in a formal or informal way.  Just a few
> simple changes to a process can save time and money.  One example, from
> years ago: the library where I worked had paper library cards with a barcode
> attached.  We typed the customer's name and address on the card.  Each time
> the customer moved, we provided a new card.  Finally, a staff member asked
> me why we couldn't just type the customer's name.  I (branch manager at the
> time) asked the director.  In a matter of a week or two, we no longer typed
> addresses. This was very simple indeed, yet saved untold hours of staff time
> and waiting time.
>
> For big things like bookmobiles, a more formal process is usually helpful.
> Often, in my experience, a public meeting can be very helpful--if carefully
> planned so that people understand the options.  Things can be presented in
> the "which do you like better, A or B?" method, familiar from eye exams.  In
> some places, bookmobiles are a luxury--and might even be a luxury that
> people don't particularly want.  In other places, they clearly are a needed
> and vital service.  If the public values bookmobiles--and wants to pay for
> them--they can be maintained even when they are a luxury.
>
> When the public can't be involved, for whatever reason, then the library
> staff will need to prioritize as best possible, taking into mind various
> solutions and responses.
>
> Now, my second point, which some will see as "political correctness".  I
> really, really don't like the term "sacred cows" to mean something like "a
> thing we've always done that should be rejected".  Whatever one's views of
> cattle in India, using "sacred cows" in this way seems to belittle a
> religion and culture.  I think that using this phrase can also easily go
> with the idea that what's old and established must be bad.
>
> Instead, I think we should look at what's old and established in our
> libraries, keep the best of it, and add what's new and useful.  Of course,
> some of what's new now will become old and established.  And then someone in
> the future (maybe us!) will look at it, keep the best, and add something
> newer yet.
>
> Just some Friday afternoon thoughts.
>
> Dale
>
> http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalemcneill
>
>
>
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