Thought I'd better join the debate given that a) I will be shortly leaving
my LIBRARIAN post and b) progressing to Webmaster based at the University of
Surrey.
I sympathise with the flak that the word "Librarian" brings up though I have
had more questions re "Webmaster" than the other. Perhaps some are now
(finally) in tune with the concept of Librarian while "webmaster" is a
comparatively recent phenomenon.
However, as for the 'suggestion' of alternatives to 'librarian' I am a
little skeptical of them. For example, I introduced myself as an
"Information Professional" on one occasion which resulted in a rather
bemused look. I then resorted to the traditional 'Librarian' which made the
point (though the woman in question was rather surprised ; "Are you REALLY a
Librarian?!" Perhaps because I am male and thirtysomething though,
optimstically, maybe because she holds such a post in high esteem!
I guess the one term that really takes the biscuit is "Information
Choreographer"! (I read this in I believe in the Daily Mail recently) I
guess that would create more confusion than ever.
Unfortunately, given that some of us LIBRARIANS work alone like it or not
part of the work does involve book-stamping though I'm sure those in this
position would prefer it weren't (a staffing issue more than anything within
my present environment). Still, I have often made a point of educating
people that the people they often deal with ie at the enquiry desk etc. are
Library Assistants.
Well, as from 1st Feb. at least 'Librarian' won't be an issue for me - nor
in that case will be inter-library loans and book-stamping!
Richard Crookes
Nurse Education Library
Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust
Farnborough Hospital
ORPINGTON, Kent BR6 8ND
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