The preoccupation probably stems from the fact that arguably accountants,
estate agents, and insurance agents tend to have customers who are aware
that they are the only ones who can provide the services they require and
therefore image is less important than the marketing of their wares. The
door to door salesman goes to his clients and it is at that point he risks
having the door slammed in his face. The traffic wardens are not trying to
appeal to 'customers' they are performing a role.

As a librarian the marketing of services is much more tied into the image
not
just of the librarian but of the library as we have to entice and inform
people
as to what we have to offer. The way we are perceived often goes hand in
hand with how well we can reach people and pull them into the library and
make them aware of what we can offer through the library and how
approachable as a profession we are.

This is especially important as stats show that we as a profession 'lose'
young users when they become adults and experience has taught that adults
tend to think that because they have the internet and a cheap book
shop/supermarket they don't need a library.


Cat
     ,,,^ . . ^,,,
Wot no mouses?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Shafika Abbasi" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2003 9:58 AM
Subject: Re: Image and the revenge of the Librarians


Just a thought .

Why are some of us so touchy and defensive about not being perceived as
cool, sexy, street and so on?

What kind of fundamental insecurities are hidden behind this (frankly a
touch boring) preoccupation.

Accountants, estate agents, traffic wardens, insurance agents and door to
door salesmen have worse images (and reputations) but I suspect that most of
them don't give a damn. Can we speculate on the reasons why?


Shafika Abbasi


http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,3605,1064101,00.html






rom: Beth Dark <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Beth Dark <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Image and the revenge of the Librarians
>Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2003 11:59:25 +0100
>
>Hello everybody...
>
>This is the first time I've done this so here we go...
>
>I'm researching for a project about the Image of the Librarian.. and would
>like any feedback; views, links, etc.
>Had a look at the 'librarian doll' posts in the archives - noticed some
>mixed opinions there!
>Why are Librarians still pigeonholed in the age of the Information
>Professional - can we reclaim the stereotype?
>
>I'd love to hear what all of you think..
>
>Thanks a lot,
>
>Beth

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