[WEB4LIB] Librarian or Computer Expert and why have a MLS?

[Benison, Thelma]

	 I didn't like the attitude given me as a library assistant.
	 I find that I have a better Information Science and Technology
education and background than those who received an MLIS
	before me and gave me the 'non-MLIS' attitude'.  The Information
Science classes I took in my MLIS program at SJSU gave
	me knowledge and experience in creating Oracle databases,
programming, and knowledge management -- which happen to
	be very very marketable skills worth quite a bit salary-wise (70K+)
in a business environment.  

	I don't think I want to go back and work in a library. I'd probably
get the 'new kid on the block-green
	hand and  inexperienced' attitude as an upcoming graduate with an
MLIS degree...
	 

	Thelma Benison
	E-Mail Systems Administrator
	Cedars-Sinai Medical Center



> ----------
> From: 	Masters, Gary E[SMTP:GEM at CDRH.FDA.GOV]
> Reply To: 	GEM at CDRH.FDA.GOV
> Sent: 	Wednesday, April 04, 2001 10:54 AM
> To: 	Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: 	[WEB4LIB] Librarian or Computer Expert and why have a MLS?
> 
> I was the Librarian at Texas A&M International University and had both a
> Library degree and knowledge of computers.  However, I do not have a CS
> degree, which is required at some places.  There were some very basic
> concepts about databases and library use of online services that I
> presented
> to my friends in the university computer shop the entire time I was there
> and they still did not "get it."  So, we did the proxy server.  But my
> student assistant knew computers and Linux very well and was the "expert."
> 
> 
> I left that job thinking that a MLS is very important to the job, but that
> a
> well supervised person who can do the computer stuff is what I library
> needs
> most of the time.  The MLS is more useful in planning new services,
> promoting the services that are needed and presenting a public service
> attitude. Many librarians don't even know what is possible.   Also, this
> person can participate in other library duties and that is a plus in a
> small
> library.  
> 
> 
> The examples of librarians who work well with computer personnel is just
> another example of how it should work everywhere.  Too many librarians
> look
> "down their noses" at those without the MLS.  Time to get over that
> attitude.  Everyone who can contribute is valuable.
> 
> Gary
> 
> 
> Gary E. Masters
> Librarian (Systems)
> CDRH - FDA
> (301) 827-6893 
>