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Discussion: Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
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Posted Anonymously |
Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
Sep 6 2007, 2:25 PM EDT
I work in a library, but don't have a master's in library science--so I am not technically considered a "Librarian." However, I do have a master's degree in another field (and have had to answer reference questions before). May I participate?
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Posted Anonymously |
1. RE: Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
Sep 10 2007, 2:59 PM EDT
This is a good question. I too do not have a MLS degree but do the work of a librarian regularly answering reference questions. I have had the training to do the job. I have been told by others who have the degree that I have the know-how of 80% of what is taught in library school.
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mjthomas43 |
2. RE: Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
Aug 28 2008, 12:51 PM EDT
Since part of the point of this is to improve the reputation of librarians (perhaps I'm mistaken) I would think that you would have to be considered an official librarian by your institution. If you're not really a librarian (despite doing similar work) then how does that affect the visibility of the profession? However, although IMHO you really shouldn't be considered a librarian unless you have the MLS or equivalent degree (another topic altogether), for the purposes of this effort, just the title would be enough to qualify you. What does everyone think?
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Posted Anonymously |
3. RE: Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
Oct 9 2008, 1:29 PM EDT
Given that this is such a freewheeling and decentralized project, there's nothing to keep non-MLS' from participating. Many libraries have non-MLS staff on the reference desk and they usually do a very good job. My main request is that, if you participate, make sure you note the authority of your sources (like you should when you work the Reference Desk) and play up the fact that the asker's local library is also a good place to ask questions like the one you just answered. The entries on the "signatures & tag lines" page of this wiki mostly play up librarians, but they could play up libraries in general just as well, without getting into the whole MLS issue.
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jesmine2815 |
4. RE: Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
Apr 27 2010, 1:17 AM EDT
if you have no degree of master in library science so you should or you can do diploma in libraray science so that you may be able to get enough information or experience ok dealing users of library.because if you will not serve in better way so it will affect on your institution in which you are working.
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mjthomas43 |
5. RE: Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
Apr 27 2010, 10:35 AM EDT
The question is not whether non-MLS holders can provide reference service but whether they should "officially" be a part of this effort. The point is to give "us the opportunity to demonstrate our question-answering skills to users who may not realize that librarians provide reference services." (from the board's background info) If you are not a librarian, it doesn't really support the project. Sure, people with different educational and professional backgrounds can answer at least some reference questions but aren't we trying to suggest that librarians provide something unique and valuable?
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saminazaidi |
6. RE: Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
May 10 2010, 9:05 AM EDT
To get an entry level job in a library, especially a public library, you really need very little formal education in most places. Some require an associate's degree, some a bachelor's degree, but many only expect that you have work experience (which can be gotten through volunteering in a library). If you want a better job in a library you will need at least an undergraduate degree. A graduate degree in Library Science is often required to be a supervisor in a public library or to be a librarian in an academic library (ie., in a college or university). If you are interested in working in the library of a public school (elementary, middle, high school) you can earn an education degree with a focus on librarianship. 0 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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mjthomas43 |
7. RE: Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
May 10 2010, 10:24 AM EDT
Again, this thread is not really about the nature of library work, library-related education, or the value of the contributions of various levels of library staff. The question is "Do you have to [be] an official 'librarian' to do this", 'this' meaning the Slam the Boards effort. Anyone in the world can answer questions on these Boards, but my impression of the effort to Slam the Boards was to promote the value of 'official' librarians.
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ElayOftedahl |
8. RE: Do you have to an official "librarian" to do this
Nov 3 2010, 4:00 PM EDT
I believe the purpose of this group is to raise the general public's awareness of what information is available is they just ask. Anyone who works in a library is considered a librarian by most folks. Sorry, that's the public's perception, right or wrong. So if you don't have an MLS and are providing good service to the public thus raising the public's estimation of libraries, why do we care? Sharing the work and providing good service makes MLS & non-MLS look good. And I know plenty of both that don't provide good service: you all know pointers as well.
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