Position postings

[Darryl West]

Chuck Bearden wrote:
> 
> When it comes to database management positions in library
> automation, there is in my view *no* substitute for a person
> with a thorough understanding of MARC and other cataloging
> standards.  Few degreed librarians possess this qualification,
> let alone non-librarians.

Which is why when I wrote my USMARC to AUSMARC conversion program I got
an experienced librarian to give me the information I needed to complete
the work successfully.


> 
> Also, I think John's point may have been missed.  I'm certain
> he wasn't suggesting that an MLS alone entitled one to be
> considered for library automation positions.  In fact, he stipulated
> that the librarians he was thinking of did indeed have the
> requisite computer experience.  I think the point was that these
> positions often exclude otherwise qualified librarians by demanding
> computer science degrees.
> 

That is like saying you would accept a person with a computer science
degree to work as a librarian just on the basis of having hung round
libraries long enough. I personally could never see that happening.

Lets face it. There are mindsets and approaches gained during the
attainment of a degree and in a field that give a person an edge in that
field. For me I have a good feel for computers because of my training
and exposure, This means I am a good computer person to have round. (
though my librarian peers may disagree ) but I would be a useless
librarian. If I have a library problem I go ask a librarian.  While I
advocate empowering users of a system I firmly believe they can be best
developed by the people who understand computers not by people who
understand libraries. 

I have seen to many wanna be techo's who 'have the experience' but who
in fact end up at a result by sheer brute force and ignorance rather
than any understanding and who end up wasting my time and their's. If I
want to be a librarian I will go do a degree that prepares me with the
knowledge and mindsets for that job. If you wanna be a techo then go do
the study to get the mindset of a techo. Unfortunately ( or fortunately
) a degree seems to be the only indicator that is round that can give an
indication of the minsetd necessary.

Steps down off the box again 




Steps down again.


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Darryl West
System Administrator Internet Services Unit

State Library of Queensland
P.O Box 3488
South Brisbane Q 4101 
Australia

Email:	 d.west at slq.qld.gov.au
Phone:	+61 7 38407856
Fax	+61 7 38462421

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