Malcolm Dobson wrote
<excerpt>
To suggest that if people don't stand for Council they are not
interested in developing their profession is not reasonable.
Malcolm Dobson
This wasn't what I meant to say, which was that if people are sufficiently
concerned about Cilip's condition, structure and strategic direction, then
they should do something about it and not just moan into the void. My
impression is that most Councillors listen to what their constituents say to
them, and most of those modify what they do after having listened.
I didn't say it was easy. There are particular problems for solo librarians
(which is more or less what I am these days since leaving the BMA and my, as
you say, brilliant and effective team). But believe me there are also
different particular problems in trying to fit professional commitments when
you're in a team or responsible for one. Contrary to what you might think,
the BMA were at times very, very far from being supportive of my involvement
with Cilip. (Paradoxically, Elsevier are quite the opposite, so long as
they day job gets done on time of course.)
Speaking for myself I've not found myself with more time at work as I've got
older. Like most people, I effectively fulfil my professional commitments
in my own time and I do so willingly because some of it is enjoyable and
most of it, I feel, is important and it's part of being a professional
person.
Tony McSean
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