Position postings

[Pamela E. Kirschenheiter]

I agree with you, but to a certain extent. I am almost finished with my
MLS. As a part-time student who also works full-time I find that if you
want something bad enough, you make the time. And the course I have taken
have been library and technology oriented. In fact most of the core
courses deal with technology. So, today's MLS is more technology oriented
than the MLS of 10 years ago. SO, when someone is hired because of their
experience and their MLS, it isn't just MARC records that are taught....
plenty of systems work is taught as well. 


On Thu, 14 Nov 1996, Temple Hoff wrote:

> 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
>