The Liminal Librarian

So, speaking of Movers and Shakers, a while back I posted a call for nominations on behalf of LJ. In response, I received an off-list e-mail that read in part:

…Aren’t we clever enough as an organization to highlight people who are already achieving and who have been achieving for a couple of years without having to showcase people who are just starting out but who, because of the temperament God gave them, appear to be leaders? Talk about squashing their peers who were not singled out as tomorrow’s leaders…. This award and the other one, the name of which I can’t remember but the one people had special flutter flu-flu’s hanging from their nametags at ALA for… Scholars something maybe… sicken me in that this uber-liberal organization singles out certain angels and leaves the rest of many, many, many hard-working, decent librarians be the unrecognized grunts of the organization.

I’ve heard similar sentiments about Movers & Shakers and about certain ALA awards, and this idea that recognizing achievement somehow belittles or demotivates those librarians who show up and do their jobs well every day baffles me.

Some “Movers & Shakers” have told me that reactions from their coworkers and administration range from complete indifference to outright hostility. This may stem in part from our profession’s commitment to egalitarianism — but there’s a difference between giving people the same opportunities and pretending that everyone is the same. We should delight in the fact that people in our field are doing exciting things worthy of recognition. We should recognize those who go above and beyond and who help move our profession forward.

If you expect an award for going to work and doing a good job every day, perhaps you’re in the wrong profession.

When I wrote my second book, I clearly remember one mumbled reaction from a colleague: “I wish I could write a book.” Well, if you feel that way when you see someone write a book, publish an article, create a resource, speak at a conference — DO IT. Others’ achievement doesn’t preclude your own: use their stories to inspire you. Think:

• If Meredith Farkas can accomplish all this three years out of library school, then maybe your age/professional experience/job title don’t really preclude you from contributing to the profession.
• If I go out of my way to ask for people to e-mail me with book ideas or meet to chat over coffee, maybe I do really want to hear yours.
• If ALA and its divisions offer conference attendance grants, maybe they do really want people to apply.

If you are content in your contributions to your workplace and local community, that’s great. If not, then take responsibility for your own career and your own path; find ways you too can go above and beyond.