What others say about us and how we respond
The New York Times article about librarians going to New Orleans is amazing because of the response it engendered among the librarians present. Finally we are being seen as brave, strong people who do what needs to be done for the greater good of others.
The lines below show the new vision of librarians as brave risk-takers who go where they need to despite fears and obstacles.
“NEW ORLEANS, June 23 — The nation’s librarians proved themselves an intrepid lot this week, venturing into this limping city where other conventioneers have feared to tread.”
and
“We’re proud to be librarians whose leadership decided to honor the contract,” said Karen Hoyle of the University of Minnesota. ”
Librarians have always separated themselves somewhat through the nature of their profession. While they need to know their clients and their needs, their mission statements often go beyond a single group to be more inclusive. This often causes distress when they are called “liberal” (as if that’s a dirty name!), “hysterical”, and “radical.” The Library Bill of Rights should be posted in our offices and for our patrons. We say our pledge of allegiance in schools daily. How about our pledge to the profession and the needs of our citizens even when there is disagreement?
The ALA2006 conference in New Orleans was a “feel good” experience for those who were there. We were recognized for our doing good. We were able to speak to citizens throughout the city. Librarians actively took part in rebuilding, fixing, and creating new libraries for desperately seeking-information citizens. We viewed destruction, rebuilding, and the emptiness of some businesses that were waiting for their owners to return. Some of the businesses apologized for the cuts in their hours due to their severe need for more employees. We donated to relief causes. We spent money in restaurants and shops. We tipped more graciously than ever before.
Every business owner I spoke with thanked us as a group for coming and pled for us to return to spread the word that New Orleans needs their tourism business. I spoke with a city planner for arts and cultural festivals who shared their need to continue planning the annual events (even if they had to shorten some) both for tourists and for the spirits of those who stayed in New Orleans and those who have come home. Be one of the brave and fearless. Be like a librarian and go to New Orleans.
