Kathy KS answers “Okay, I loved this. I really did - but I...”

Jackie Robinson asked this question about The Reading List:

Okay, I loved this. I really did - but I have two things that I wish to discuss about this novel. - Did it bother anyone else that Aleisha would be called a librarian with no librarian qualification? I'm a library assistant studying to become a librarian and it bothered me like crazy. - Was anyone else perplexed that they didn't give a reason or follow up why Aidan committed suicide?

Kathy KS I'm a twice retired professional librarian in the U.S. I've also worked in all types of libraries: public, academic, medical, government. I also was a…moreI'm a twice retired professional librarian in the U.S. I've also worked in all types of libraries: public, academic, medical, government. I also was a library system consultant to 54 libraries. Most of those were small public libraries, often with a director (sometimes the only staff) that did not have professional qualifications. But they did the same jobs as those with the Masters degree. As many here have mentioned, people using a library don't ask us our qualifications or education. We're all "librarians" in their eyes.

My own sister is the director (with staff) of a small rural library. She officially doesn't have the professional degree, but had years of management and marketing experience, is a reader herself, and learns quickly. She exemplifies "professional" and we have four other librarians with MLSes in our family who would agree. Frankly, I've met "professional" librarians that I wouldn't hire for the circulation desk or shelving. (And, in smaller libraries professional librarians do often take a turn at the circulation desk).

If you are a young professional that feels upset about the distinctions, I understand. You've made the commitments necessary to receive your degrees. But, in the big scheme of things, it's how you do your job. If customers appreciate what you do, that's the important thing.(less)

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The Reading List

by Sara Nisha Adams (Goodreads Author)

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