LM_NET: Library Media Networking
To Our Valuable Newbies:
Since the time I was taking library science courses at the University of
Illinois in 1972, (ranked #1 by ALA), I found that many times I was clueless,
or didn't know what or where to start and that the people whom librarians
helped less were the library science students. I often wondered why they
would react with such indifference and intolerance towards their colleagues
of the future. I think the answer may be twofold. They wanted to allow us
to learn how to search (we WERE TOTALLY new), although they gave us many
times the cold shoulder and not an inkling of a hint to help in our searches,
or, they were threatened by our coming into the profession young and eager.
Is a quandary that I still see from colleagues and their answers to the
questions from the newbies.
No, we don't ALL wonder what school you went to, nor do we ALL get upset if
you ask a question more than once. What I think happens is that we forget
that we were once in your shoes. I for one wished that I had a group of
tolerant librarians/media specialists who in my time of need (i.e. deadlines,
lack of sleep, family responsibilities, etc.) would have helped me without
passing judgment. Not give me the answers, only help, I repeat without
passing judgment, which can be done without sighing heavily and
impertinently, just like we do when we help our students. Or perhaps some of
us don't.
Do follow the guidelines that the more experienced librarians/media
specialists have suggested to follow when you are asking a question,
particularly give us a hint as to where you have looked and what exactly is
the purpose of your search. Don't abuse the listserv with questions that
hint at "do my research for me please".
But, do not shy away from writing, asking, or contributing to the list. If
you are new to the profession it is definitely in the best interest of the
"experienced " to guide you so that you can become a credit to our
profession. That benefits each one of us, and in many places that image is
indispensable so that media services are not discontinued or severely cut.
The "experienced" ones have a choice and a "delete" button and so do you if
all you get in response to your question is pontification.
To the more experienced ones, remember that those of us who work in large
school districts have a support system that is not always in place in small
districts or individual libraries.
Let's be patient with one another, we are an isolated bunch in our centers,
we need each and every one of us for support.
Nita Garcia
Media Specialist
Greenglade Elementary School (PreK - 5)
Miami, Florida
nitagarcia@aol.com
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