I want to be in the Spotlight!

Libraries without Librarians: The Threat of Deprofessionalization

By Casey Schacher

When I tell people that I earned an MLS so that I could become a librarian, I am invariably met by a blank look and a question: "Why do you need a master's degree to do that?" I still have trouble addressing this question. How do I sum up what it means to be a professional to someone who has a firm and longstanding impression that just anyone can be a librarian? Worse still, it looks like this question may be getting even harder to answer. MORE

Nominees Sought for $5,000 Award for Improving Library Workers' Salaries and Status

The American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) is seeking nominees, both individuals and organizations, that have made a positive change in the salaries or status of librarians and/or support staff. The Award Jury is looking forward to receiving the stories of champions that have had a local, regional or national impact. The winner will receive a $5000 award, thanks to the SirsiDynix Corporation. MORE

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Loan Forgiveness for Librarians in the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007

A major victory has been scored on behalf of students and librarians nationwide: H.R. 2669, "The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007" offers loan forgiveness to those who hold public service jobs (including librarians in public libraries and public schools) after 10 years of service. MORE

This Account's Long OVERDUE: Victoria (Canada) Library Workers Get Loud With Public Campaigns On Pay Equity

Reprinted with permission. Originally printed in Public Employee magazine, Fall 2007.

VICTORIA -- The message on the picket sign said it all: "Shhh ... We've been quiet too long. Pay Equity Now!"

A familiar refrain on picket signs throughout Greater Victoria on September 13, the decade-long fight for pay equity was a top issue as members of CUPE 410 hit the sidewalks this fall in the first-ever strike by Greater Victoria Public Library workers. MORE

California School Librarian Testifies on ESEA, NCLB Reauthorization

WASHINGTON -- On September 10, 2007, California school librarian Mary K. Poeck testified on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the importance of having a highly qualified school library media specialist in every school. MORE

Libraries Weigh Merger with Borough

By Rindi White, Anchorage Daily News (AK): October 31, 2007

A discussion about combining the city libraries with the borough library system raises serious questions about salaries, benefits and union affiliation for library workers in neighboring cities Wasilla and Palmer, Alaska. MORE

Pueblo Library Budget Jumps $700,000 for 2008: Increased Revenue Due to Higher Assessed Valuation in County

By John Norton, The Pueblo Chieftain (CO): October 27, 2007

Pueblo City-County Library District trustees approved a $7.65 million 2008 budget Thursday night, and Pueblo Library employees will enjoy a larger staff and increased pay. MORE

Privatization Opens Libraries' Doors Only to Kick Employee Retirement Plans to the Curb

For-Profit Libraries A Sad Story

The Boston Globe: October 22, 2007

Jackson County (OR) Libraries Put On Profit Basis

By Matthew Preusch, The Oregonian (OR): October 5, 2007

Fifteen libraries of Jackson County, Oregon, shuttered in April due to lack of county funding were reopened with private monies. The libraries are now run by a Maryland corporation rather than local government. But these libraries are now staffed by fewer employees who work fewer hours for fewer benefits. MORE

Library Journal Seeks Nominations for 2008 Movers and Shakers

It's time once again to make your nominations for Library Journal's Movers and Shakers issue. This supplement to the March 15 issue will profile "50-plus up-and-coming individuals from across the United States and Canada who are innovative, creative, and making a difference" in the profession. MORE

I want to write about Career Advancement!

Oh, the Places You Will Go!

By Christopher Shaffer

Educators and librarians often help students learn about places we have never been. The Transatlantic Outreach Program offered by the Goethe Institute is an excellent opportunity for those in our field to experience a different culture firsthand. The program targets K-12 instructors, but academic librarians who influence social studies education curriculum, especially collection development, are also eligible. MORE

I want to write about Certification!

Certified Public Library Administrator Program Application Deadline is December 7

If you are thinking of applying to become either a candidate or provider for the Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) Program, the next deadline is Friday, December 7, 2007. MORE

I want to write about HR Law & Regulation!

Saving for Retirement: The Onus Is on the Individual Now More than Ever

By Christine Martin

Will you have enough money to retire? Try one of the following online calculators. Each considers your current age, income, investments, Social Security benefits and savings rate plus future rates of return and inflation. Each shows the effect of increasing (or decreasing) your contribution to a 401(k) or other pension plan. MORE

Wellness Benefits Overview FAQ: How Libraries Encourage Healthier Staff

By Paula Seeger

Q: What are wellness benefits or programs?
A: Employers are increasingly using a variety of ways to encourage employees to live a healthy lifestyle, and thus increase productivity and longevity on the job. MORE

I want to write about HR Practice!

Employee Resistance to Change

By Suzette Caneda and Ravonne Green, Ph.D

An employee who resists change by not participating or making contrary choices can hinder the success of the change as well as employee productivity and morale. For the good of the employees and the organization, managers must learn to facilitate the introduction of changes into the workplace. MORE

I want to write about Recruitment!

ARL Redesigns MLS Graduate Student Résumé Database

Washington, DC-The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has redesigned its MLS Graduate Student Résumé Database, which allows graduate students within six to eight months of completing an MLS program or within six to eight months of completing a post-MLS residency program to post their résumés in one of the most visited online recruitment services in the academic and research library community. MORE

I want to write about Salaries and Pay Equity!

CUPE 391 Strike Ends

Canadian Union of Public Employees, October 19, 2007

VANCOUVER -- After 88 days on strike, CUPE 391 members have voted 71 per cent in favour of the tentative agreement reached yesterday between bargaining representatives of the library workers' union and the Vancouver Public Library (VPL). The VPL Board held their ratification vote on October 20. MORE

"An Antidote to Discouragement": ALA's Mitch Freedman Speaks to Vancouver Library Workers

By Jamie Bragg

On October 24, 2007, long-time pay equity advocate and ALA Past President Maurice (Mitch) Freedman spoke at the Vancouver Central Library on pay equity in libraries. He addressed members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 391 who had recently waged an 88-day strike for equitable wages. MORE

I want to write about Statistics!

By the Numbers

By Monica Zborowski, HR Analyst

Reprinted with permission from the Management Association of Illinois's Web site, www.hrsource.org. The article was posted on October 19, 2007.

A recent workplace Index Survey of formal and informal methods used to disperse company news found that gossip is still alive and well in the workplace. MORE

I want to write about Support Staff!

Librarians and Support Staff Working Together: Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility?

By Honora Eskridge

Many years ago, when working for a large architectural engineering firm, I listened to a Computer Aided Design (CAD) designer complain that because he wasn't an engineer he felt like a second class citizen; he compared his plight to "working at a hospital and not being a doctor." Little did I know that this man's dissatisfaction with one company is part of a widespread phenomenon. MORE

Sage Library Support Staff Travel Grants

The Travel Grants (six to be awarded) make it possible for library support staff to attend the ALA Annual Conference to be held in the summer of 2008 in Anaheim, Calif. Sage Publications donates six grants of up to $1,000 to cover the expense of attending the conference which includes airfare, three nights lodging and conference registration for each recipient. MORE

I want to write about Work/Life!

Library Workers Urged to Participate in Survey of Workplace Wellness in Libraries

CHICAGO -- The American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) is encouraging library employees to participate in its Library Workplace Wellness online survey. The survey provides an important opportunity for library employees to share information about the availability of, and their participation in, work-life options in libraries around the nation. MORE