Where are the women & the workers?
Free Range Librarian K.G. Schneider posted the question “Where are the women?” to discuss the issue of limited visibility of women at the technology sessions of ALA. I have been thinking more about this issue and I believe it extends further. Women are not as visible as leaders in technology and librarians are not being encouraged to grow fast enough.
I love technology for it’s possibilities. Before my district gave in to making everyone equal and mediocre and gave up rewarding innovation, I was recognized as a technology leader. I loved it. I earned new equipment through grants. I learned new techniques and programs to benefit my students. Teachers were excited to learn with me and begged to be included in new grant programs. Now, I learn Web 2.0 strategies for my personal interest and incidentally share new skills with others randomly, rather than through systematic professional development.
However, back to my original thought, there is another group of librarians discriminated against - the elementary school librarians. When someone becomes more successful in the school library field, others around immediately assume one is moving into administration and university teaching. It is difficult to continue in the “field” of education and be innovative while increasing visibility as a leader. When I travel the exhibit halls at conferences, I am treated differently as an elementary school librarian. This year I had “H. School” put on my ALA2006 badge instead of H. Elementary School. I was taking an informal survey to see if vendors changed their questions and attitudes when they learned I taught at the elementary level. They did. The way I was able to alter their attitudes again was when I mentioned that my hubby-dear taught at the middle & high school level. I seemed to become a more interesting and knowledgeable person when I was connected with the upper levels than solely at the elementary level. I recognize that part of this is that elementary school librarians tend not to have as much money to spend as public and academic librarians. But take a look at sessions and leadership. You have more clout if you leave the classroom and the elementary library. Those who rise to district level leadership and academic teaching positions tend to be more visible, have more flexible time to participate in leadership within ALA, and more funding sources to attend high profile events. Does this mean they are more knowledgeable? Nope. Just more visible.
The worst statement I hear is when a librarian apologizes for “JUST” being a school librarian. I am proud to serve the youngest members of our educational system. They need good librarians, too. I have actually had to tell some administrators, vendors, and community leaders “I teach elementary students, I am not an elementary student.” I dare them to dis-respect me!
