We're taking a bit of a breather while the world rearranges its underpants. Meanwhile, the other blog is here.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Lovely audience

How remiss of me: I haven't mentioned our new arrivals.

Posy Slaithwaite is our new Assistant Librarian, filling Bronwyn's old post, which has only been vacant for more than a year. She seems OK, a little young and very noisy but OK. To be honest, I think she's trying too hard but that's understandable: it's her first post since qualifying as a librarian and she's coming from a library authority which treats its Library Assistants as something a little lower than slime moulds in the food chain. Consequently I'm overlooking the constant references to "being a professional" for now. When I get to know her better I'll drop her the hint. In my experience most people who do the transition from Library Assistant to Librarian are pretty level-headed about the "I am a Professional" thing but have to go through a period of self-affirmation in the process. Every so often you'll get a one who goes over to the dark side but usually they remember how shitty some people can be treated.

Jack Harry Timpson takes over Jim's old job. I've had dealings with Jack Harry in various situations in the past and he's always been a good egg, which is good news. He can be a bit uncommunicative, which is a bit of a worry in our organisation. Let's be honest, communication isn't high on the list of our achievements. With a bit of luck his wanting to get things done will override any possibilities of going native any time too soon.

It'll be interesting to see how they knit with their compadres.

7 comments:

The Topiary Cow said...

So does she actually think that being a "Professional" will get her one bit of respect, higher salary, acknowledgment from patrons, or job satisfaction?

Just wondering (bitter Moo!)

Kevin Musgrove said...

Ms Cow: Lord, I hope not for her sake!

The authority she's come from has a reputation for having a few 'Professionals' that seem to get their job satisfaction in being spiteful to the lower ranks.

Gadjo Dilo said...

Surely being "very noisy" precludes her from any kind of library work! (Though maybe there's an exemption for noisily proclaiming "I am a Professional!")

Pat said...

I admire your forbearance. I'm trying to cultivate some but it gets harder.

Macy said...

As long as everyone is clear WHICH profession Ms Posy is in.... confusion could be unfortunate I think.

librarylizzie said...

We had a new librarian once, who had never been a library assistant. Came straight to us, all shiny and new after graduating. Used to try to boss the library assistants around, and complained very loudly about not having her own desk.....

I soon squashed all that nonsense!

Kevin Musgrove said...

Gadjo: working in a public library is like having a desk in a bear pit. Bedlam, utter bedlam.

Pat: remember what I said about infinite impatience. (-;

Macy: librarians are the only profession I know that feels the need to tell everyone and his dog that they are "professionals" on a regular and monotonous basis.

Lizzie: high five you! There's no call for any of that nonsense and you did her a favour by providing a reality check.