PLMI Day 1 at Fall Creek Falls State Park started with a yummy breakfast...it wasn't Jimmy Dean Sausage, but it was tasty. Having eagerly anticipated this experience, I was not disappointed. With 10 months of library experience under my belt, I KNEW I needed some education. I've been desperately trying to learn all the 'library lingo' so I could blend in with this group of seasoned librarians. What a relief when Heather told us that we should begin to remove the library jargon from our vocabularies! Check that one off the "To Do" list right now. I'm anticipating using some of her slides with the staff and board, especially the one about the library being a Public Commons for our patrons...um...customers. It's okay and expected for customers to come to the library simply because it is a safe place or because they have no where else to go.
For the past 10 months, I've felt that I have been masquerading as a "librarian." Me? Librarian? With 30 years experience as a Human Resources/Training and Development professional, who am I to introduce myself as a librarian? Heather and Don made it clear that not only am I a librarian, I am THE LIBRARY to the community. The masquerade is officially over.
Don spent some time on the notion he called "Use of Words" that helped clarify so many things for this novice librarian. Customers not patrons; story time not story hour; no charge not free; the chair not chairperson. Thank you, Don.
It was an honor to have Lynette Sloan, Director of Regional Libraries, spend the afternoon with us. She is a bigwig with oodles of knowledge and experience. I wish she had stayed to have dinner with us. More to come...
I loved your post! I have been a librarian for about 8 years and still find it odd when someone calls me the librairan. You truly never stop learning. I thought Don's presentation was really great because you were reminded how important words are.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
I think you really caught of of Don's wisdom in the points you remembered! You captured the essence of his presentation. I loved the history too. However, I think it is important for you to realize you have not been "masquerading" as a librarian. Remember that those who interviewed and hired you saw you as a qualified individual for the role you have, so if they are confident that you are that person, then don't put yourself down -- you are! Of course, we are all able to learn more to be the best we can in library management, but you are well on your way! Be encouraged.
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