[Libs-Or] Volunteer Opportunity

Wed Jan 12 12:04:29 PST 2011

I've also given this discussion some thought. With some mulling over, I have
a few responses from the perspective of a recent grad and new professional:

1) I like to go by the philosophy of it always being OK to ask. The worst
that can happen is that you are turned down (or reprimanded via e-mail
discussion list?). The best that could happen is someone qualified thinks it
is an interesting project and would like to join in.

2) The initial message did not mention any support or guidance given to the
volunteer. My gut response to this is that the project may not be
appropriate for a current MLS student or recent grad. The reality is that
most current MLS students and recent grads do not have the practical skill
set to organize even a collection of 225 books in a worthwhile way without
significant guidance. This could easily turn into a huge waste of time for
the volunteer and a useless product for the organization.

3) Internships on the cheap are broadly accepted in the business world, I do
not see anything different with this situation. This could be a potentially
very valuable unpaid project for a student if there is a qualified person to
lend some experience and guidance to give them real value from the
experience. Even better, they could get credit toward their MLS for it, if
guided and supervised. The local Emporia program has an optional practicum
component that would fall along these lines.

Michael

---
Michael Baird
Information Literacy Librarian / CLIP Coordinator
Western Oregon University
345 Monmouth Ave N
Monmouth, OR 97361
bairdm at wou.edu / 503-838-8657

http://clip-il.wetpaint.com
Skype: mikeypage10
Google Talk: michaeljbaird
AIM: mikeypage10
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michael.baird

On Wed, Jan 12, 2011 at 10:23 AM, KendraSchwindt <kendraschwindt at hotmail.com
> wrote:

>  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 <acordle at pcc.edu>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 12, 2011 9:35 AM
> *To:* Xan Arch <archx at reed.edu> ; (libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us)<libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us%29>
> *Cc:* satya.jaech at providence.org ; D Cohen <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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