Position postings

[Temple Hoff]

Here we go again!

Earlier this year the opposite point was raised. A large amount of automation positions where opening in 
libraries with nothing but the standard old library job prereq's of an MLA.  Some common sense is in order 
here.  Not everyone at Ford is an Engineer, and you don't have to be an astronaut to work at NASA!  If you need 
someone to run your library, hire a library running type person; if you need someone to run your computers, 
hire a computer running type person.
	Its been a long road getting the library community to recognise that an MLS doesn't mean much when your 
assigning IP's or configuring a firewall.  Individuals trained to deal with networking and internetworking 
issues can deal with them in any environment.  Libraries are not a special case.  
	I happen to be incharge of automating a County Public Library System.  I do it all, from the 
SIRSI (AIX) cataloging system to the Linux web server, Novell server, firewall, CD-ROM server, routers, staff 
training, and mouse repair.  I'm it, and I have no degrees, let alone an MLS.  I could just as easily be 
developing and maintaining systems for an Accounting firm, a Football franchise, ToysRus, or what ever.  The 
key is to find yourself a good "Technical Generalist', then, if need be, teach them in-house what a marc record 
is.  This is much easier, given the talent you as librarians should already have, than taking someone well 
versed in marc records and training them on how to configure a primary domain name server.  Hire the talent you 
don't already have.  I'm sure you already have MLS' from one end of the building to the other.
	I'm not saying that a techie with library experience isn't preferable to one without.  Heck, if you 
can get pages, janitors, or building maintenance people with MLS' in addition to the necessary job knowledge, 
go for it!  Just keep in mind that the technology job market is getting tight.  The tech companies themselves 
are having a hard time finding enough techie talent.  If you up the antee by asking for top-notch techies who 
also found the time get an MLS, you are severly limiting your pool of potential applicants.
	I applaud all those libraries who are beginning to realize that technical knowledge in their automation 
positions is more important than library knowledge.
-- 
Temple Hoff                  E-Mail:temhof at mohave.lib.az.us                 
Library Services Coordinator           Phone:(520) 692-5703  
Mohave County Library District           Fax:(520) 692-5788