[Libs-Or] Volunteer Opportunity

Wed Jan 12 11:15:01 PST 2011

I think the discussion is useful, as well. No tomatoes! Discusssing the library
profession is one thing within the confines of a conference or private meeting. But,
we also have to put this issue "out there".

I have three comments on what you have said:
1. From my experience many times non-professionals think that a "library" situation
is very simple when it is more complex.  Unless someone with a professional eye has
evaluated the situation I would not put complete faith in what the original poster
assumes is needed.

2. It's one thing to volunteer for a small non-profit with no funds, quite another
an organization such as this. Assuming their professionally designed website is a
reflection of the institution, I would doubt that Providence must barter for what
they are asking. 

3. Please see this article from the Oregonian last May:

"The insidious rise in unpaid internships can run afoul of federal guidelines"

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/steve_duin/index.ssf/2010/03/the_insidious_
rise_in_unpaid_i.html

Donna

Donna L. Cohen, MLIS, MEd, Information Management Consultant
D. L. Cohen Information Services
Portland, Oregon
503-737-1425
dcohen at dcoheninfo.com
www.dcoheninfo.com
Managing your organization's information and knowledge. Information is power...if
you can find it! 

  _____  

From: libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
[mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of KendraSchwindt
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 10:24 AM
To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Cc: satya.jaech at providence.org
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] Volunteer Opportunity

Hmm, I actually pondered this for a while before finally deciding to post here
(deciding if indeed I might look good covered in tomatoes):

On the one hand, I *wished* for something like this when I was starting out. College
provided only the disjointed big picture.  I desired the process, the detail.    As
someone who loves organization/organizing/creating, I continue to give and volunteer
of myself in these areas as my time permits. Volunteering makes me feel good, I meet
new people, gain valuable knowledge, and generally have a good time as there is less
pressure (no office politics, more flexible schedule, no evaluations, etc).
Volunteering allows us to shift from "it's all about me" to recognizing everything
and everyone else out there that is struggling too, including businesses.

Yet, I am painfully aware that the bottom line drives everything in business....and
a library *is* a business and as a business we have to think of ways to continue to
spend responsibly and within our means.  Bartering has been and always will be an
accepted mechanism to get what we want. In spite of the economy today, there are
still folks that love to give of their time and talents and there will continue to
be businesses that desire those folks.    

I think this is a prime example of  "the glass is half full/half empty" syndrome and
I see nothing wrong with their posting this opportunity.   I also see nothing wrong
with a little spirited discussion.  

...one moment while I take my position on the stage....yes, okay, I'm ready for the
lobbing of delicious, red ripe fruit.   After all, red is a power color and I make
one darn tasty salsa!

Kendra Schwindt
1st Career: College Information Manager 
2nd Career:  still figuring that out and available for loan (contact
paulw at wintersassoc.com  for more information about "Executives on Loan")

From: Alan Cordle, PCC Library <mailto:acordle at pcc.edu>  
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 9:35 AM
To: Xan  <mailto:archx at reed.edu> Arch ; (libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us)
<mailto:libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us)>  
Cc: satya.jaech at providence.org ; D Cohen <mailto:dcohen at dcoheninfo.com>  
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] Volunteer Opportunity

Rather than preying on desperate library school students, Providence should hire a
librarian, experienced in starting a library from scratch.  The paid librarian could
then recruit an intern (preferably paid and/or offered credit) to assist.

Since when is it "professional" for a librarian not to have a public opinion on the
de-professionalization of librarianship?

Also disappointed,
Al

On Wed, Jan 12, 2011 at 9:15 AM, _____> wrote:

Dear Alan and Donna,

. . .  I'm very disappointed with your public condemnation of this posting.
Without background knowledge of the center and its funding, besides what you find on
the web, it would be far more professional for you to let well enough alone. I know
many of the library students in the area are interested in additional work
experience on their resume and this could be a great opportunity for them.

On 1/12/11 8:52 AM, Alan Cordle, PCC Library wrote:

"The center houses an endowed chair in applied health care ethics and two endowed
lectureships: The Curtis R. Holzgang, M.D., Visiting Scholar and the Goldman-Berland
Lectureship in Palliative Care Education."  Instead of dismissively asking for a
"volunteer" librarian, the Center should instead consider an Endowed Librarian --
especially since the expectation is to set up a library.

  _____  

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