[Libs-Or] Librarians Who Don't Read Much

[Malone, Linda]

My issue with this is that it seems to reinforce the stereotype that the main function of librarians is to read - we've all, I'm sure, received those comments from folks who learn we are librarians: "Oh, what a great job - you get to sit around and read all day!"

Just my 2 cents....



--Linda
________________________________
From: libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Jim Scheppke
Sent: Friday, January 08, 2010 3:11 PM
To: libs-or List
Subject: [Libs-Or] FW: Librarians Who Don't Read Much

Dear Colleagues:

Yesterday Jerry Curry posted the op-ed piece that Susan Nielsen of the Oregonian wrote about politicians who don't vote in which she closed with this:

"Meanwhile, remember: A candidate who doesn't vote much is like a librarian who doesn't read much. You can't help but question the person's true passion for the job."

I felt motivated to email her about her comment, asking why she appeared to be picking on librarians and suggesting that there are some of us who are not readers. Thankfully, she replied right back with this gracious comment that clarifies her intentions. I wanted you all to see it. She gave me permission to share it with you.

------ Forwarded Message
Hi Jim,

Thanks for your note ...

As for picking on librarians, I intended to do nothing of the sort! My apologies if it came across poorly to you. I spent a long time trying to think of the right analogy. (Chefs who don't eat? etc.) It was hard to pick one. I settled on the librarian example because the idea of a librarian who doesn't read much sounded as unnatural and surprising as a political leader who doesn't vote much. Also, the act of reading evokes a kind of private and sincere enthusiasm, much like voting.

Sidenote: Every librarian I've ever known has been a voracious reader and an unusually conscientious person. Can't say the same for every politician. Hey, maybe more librarians should run for office! ;)

Thanks again for writing.

Cheers,
Susan

------ End of Forwarded Message

Jim Scheppke, State Librarian
Oregon State Library
250 Winter St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
503-378-4367
(fax) 503-585-8059
jim.b.scheppke at state.or.us

Go Green, Keep it on screen - think before you print.

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/libs-or/attachments/20100108/d8a00dad/attachment.html>