 |
 |
During library school and since, I have been concerned about this ongoing debate on professional v. non-professional library workers. I agree that the MLIS is a professional degree, however our profession does not have a formalized disciplinary process. This is where the comparison to the legal and medical professions fall apart. "Professional librarians" are not subjected to disciplinary actions when they do not adhere to the code of ethics, and I doubt that many employers are aware of our professional standards. The point is well made that library technicians are often discredited or overlooked and I think that this is detrimental to us all. I have noticed during my own 14-year library career that the associations far too often fail to take into account the perspective and interests of techs. Look at the wording of many notices for ongoing education sessions or library social activities; at email messages about issues common to techs and to librarians. If you pay attention, the bias becomes quite obvious. I am often guilty of this myself, although I try to keep the broad spectrum of the library world in mind. Anne Chesnutt Judges' Librarian 1815 Upper Water St. Halifax, NS B3J 1S7 (902)424-2078 (902)424-0646 fax [log in to unmask] _________________________________________________________________ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN Premium. Get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=http://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines