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11/05/2005
Not Really Interested Anymore
And here I was thinking when I started this project that I'd never run out of things to say about libraries. I now feel that even thought I might continue to find stories of various sorts it would mostly be rehashing material I've already covered. I have learned more about my own connection with libraries through doing this blog. I love libraries, and will always have some connection. I will always recommend that people use libraries. I won't recommend that anyone trains for a library career.
My main points in this blog:
The bottom has dropped out of the library industry.
Too many library staff can't or won't promote library services.
Too many managers are short sighted about the value of information and therefore won't commit funds.
Too many library staff can't or won't promote library services (in order to stem the rot).
Too many librarians treat technicians with disrespect.
Too many managers treat librarians and technicians with disrespect.
If you work in a library there are (sometimes strange) ways to cope without a budget and still provide services.
Contracting is hell. The companies know that the bottom has dropped out and so they can get away with offering less pay and still no pay for leave of any sort. Only someone desperate does library contracting.
Some library systems are crap. Always go with a native marc system.
People should never work in a small library unless they are multiskilled. And that includes understanding cataloguing.
Don't catalogue unless you intend to follow standards. Basic standards are fine, no standards are not.
Small libraries usually suffer from Small Library Syndrome, very different problems to large libraries.
I think gov dept libraries are probably worse off than anyone.
If you are thinking of studying for a career don't do libraries unless you're a masochist. There just isn't enough work out there.
btw, I did ask my lib'n about deleting holdings for weeded material from the national database and she said it costs too much to search for them. This from the woman who today said we should return all our ILLs by registered post because one cranky lib'n in another library is hassling her about an overdue.
And the interview went well and I know I've been short listed because my referees told me they had been called for references. I'll probably post here if I get the job.
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