Linda Koss is right. There's just something about librarianship that attracts wimps, and the culture of the profession just reinforces that behavior and mindset to the point where spunky librarians either leave or drown in the undertow of negative thinking and paralysis. It's been mentioned in a couple of my library school classes with a shrug and a "waddya gonna do?" smile.
Think about it--if you read the new librarian listservs, what goes on? Angst about basic job interview skills and points of etiquette. Never say anything insightful or provocative or call someone out on their bullshit, because "they" might be reading! Suck it up, be nice, even when someone is an asshole whiner. Constantly second guess yourself, because of course you're more impressive if you're insecure! Never apply for a job that's a stretch. Whine, whine, whine instead of being proactive or creative.
Much as I rolled my eyes at their findings, if as Holt & Strock suggest and entry-level librarian positions are being applied for by mid-level professionals, that's just another manifestation of the problem. They didn't explore whether there's a shortage of mid-level jobs, but I'd bet that there's a lot of librarians who apply for jobs they're overqualified for due to fear and disinterest in moving up the ladder. It also plays into wages-- "you want two master's degrees, a foreign language, an ability to do the impossible and pay me $25,000? Of course I'll take the job!" the librarian says! Instead of "piss up a rope!" which is what I say.
Do I know how to change this? No. Am I a wimp? Hell, yeah. But I despise my own wimpiness. And in the end, I can't change the profession, just stick to my standards and work on my own flaws.
2 comments:
Kerry - of all the things I know you to be you are most definitely not a wimp!
Kerry-Anonymous-Specialist, I have to agree with Genevieve. You're not a wimp. Occasionally demur, perhaps -- a woman who chooses her moment -- but not a wimp. In the brief time that I've known you -- a year and a half-ish? -- you've never shied from expressing an opinion, thought or theory. That's what we love about you. The snark! :)
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