Mobeena you are a hero! Whole heartedly agree with you : )

Sent from my iPhone

On 24 Jan 2013, at 16:34, "Mobeena Khan" <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:


It's not really about accepting a viewpoint that isn't traditional - a lot of public librarians aren’t doing the roles that they started out or intended doing.  A lot of us don't have library degrees - we've gained experience on the job and worked towards qualifications.  We're taught how to make judgements as to what material is suitable and where suitable material can be found.  It's not just a case of typing something into Google and hoping we strike it lucky.



It shouldn't be about comparing librarians to surgeons or lawyers - no, we may not be performing open heart surgery, but finding out information for someone on forced marriages might just have a bearing on their life.  As does helping people connect with families or relations through social media or doing administrative things like showing someone where or how to apply for a disabled parking badge.  Yes, libraries need to change and modernise, of course they do.  But trained library staff should be a part of that change and modernisation.  How on earth are volunteers held accountable for things like confidentiality or data protection?



I don’t agree with your assertion that people don't spend time with public library staff.  I've watched whole families develop and seen children who I spoke to for the Summer Reading Challenge go off to university.  I know other staff members who have developed relationships with "regulars"; whose children have informed us of their deaths and how important a part of their lives we were. For some people, we're the only positive contact they get throughout the day.



You speak of "Fifty Shades of Grey" as if it's the only type of fiction that public libraries offer - it isn't.  And offering Fifty Shades of Grey is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of as it is what members of the public wish to read.  Public libraries aren't in the business of disparaging people's book choices.  Our ethos is to serve all members of our community and that is what we strive to do.



I think this comment really killed it for me -



 "But all I've read so far indicates a collection of very nice professionally qualified people, who can be a teensy bit precious!"



We're not being precious.  We're fighting for our livelihoods and for a set of core beliefs that many of us hold very dear.  It's a shame that other people in our profession are clinging on to this outmoded view of public libraries and what they offer.


Mobeena Khan
Stock & Reader Development Librarian, West Area, Libraries, Culture and Learning
Watford Central Library, Hempstead Road, Watford, Herts, WD17 3EU
t: 01923 334680 Comnet / Internal: 29480 Mobile: 07584 521706
Working hours - Wednesday, 1pm-5pm, Thursdays and Fridays, 9am-5pm
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Hertfordshire - County of Opportunity


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