Comments on: ACURIL2008 lessons learned

By: Cliff

Cliff — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:10:56 +0000

Hi Elizabeth! It was great to meet you too, and thanks for making me feel welcome and sharing a laugh with me!

By: Elizabeth Cooke

Elizabeth Cooke — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:57:58 +0000

Hi Cliff

Happy to have met you. (we met at the lunch table “sugar” was the topic) Thanks for all the positives about Jamaica and for sharing your many opinions. Come again.

By: Tony Tallent

Tony Tallent — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:58:35 +0000

Hi Cliff. I think you’re speaking for most of us in this post. There are so many small lessons that crop up when we’re away and in a concentrated environment like a conference–big picture and small. All the time we’re fiddling with our PowerPoints and running from conference room to discussion panel (to our room for a nano-nap) we’re gathering small bits of insight, wisdom and being transformed in small ways. Travel and meeting new people can be the best teachers. Add a meaningful conversation, laughter over things non-conference related (and, well, sometimes trying to contain the laughter or non-appropriate commentary at, say, a banquet), along with unexpected a-ha moments and you have the makings of something very memorable, indeed. Indeed. Viva, Jamaica.

By: Cliff

Cliff — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:44:58 +0000

Hi A,

Let me explain; I think that my MLIS degree was extremely helpful in giving me the theory behind the work that I do as a librarian. It taught me many of the ideas and concepts that are necessary to understand how a library works and how all the parts of librarianship are interconnected. However, most of the actual skills that I needed I learned on the job. So it was no surprise to me that librarians in other countries have bachelor’s degrees in LIS and do not question the truth that they are librarians. However, here in the States most jobs ask for an ALA-Accredited MLIS. So in the end, I think that you would learn a lot about librarianship if you get an MLIS, but I think you’ll still be able to do your job just fine without it. If you have the time and money, sure, get the degree (if only for the attached pay raise!).

Most librarians can tell you that they know of library staff who are more competent and skilled than many librarians, but are looked down upon because they lack that piece of paper. This is an injustice in our profession that folks are continuing to work on resolving.

By: A-

A- — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:32:57 +0000

I really enjoyed this post– mostly because some of it mirrored myself and it is nice to be “justified” to some degree. Sitting inside instead of in the sun for instance!
Do you really feel that librarianship is a skill learned and that a MLS is not absolutely neccessary? I am curious about this- I recently took on a position that the last person had an MLS. I currently do not and it is not required of me to get one. My director is amazing. I love my job and it is quite the feeling when you find where you belong. However, there is a part of me that feels insecure because I do not have the MLS.
Enough rambling– thanks for your blog!

By: Sarah Cohen

Sarah Cohen — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:01:20 +0000

This is a beautiful post in every way. It only goes to show that you are indeed everything I thought you were when we met: professional, thoughtful, kind, smart.
Thanks for sharing so many sides to your trip. And to you.