Professionalism in Librarianship

Bill Drew wrote this great e-mail on the subject of professionalism in librarianship:

A recent spate of negative comments on this list and statements by our incoming ALA president have gotten me thinking about what professionalism in librarianship in the 21st Century means to me. Here are some thoughts on this:

1. Willingness to help in a positive manner.
2. Participation in national, state, and local library organizations.
3. Publication in scholarly and popular journals in libraryland and beyond.
4. Participation in public discussion in ways that advance the profession.
5. Participation in continuing education (conferences, course work, independent reading/study).
6. Willingness to try new technologies and modes of communications.
7. Above all else, getting information to our patrons in a timely manner when and where they need it in the format they can use.


Wilfred (Bill) Drew
Associate Librarian, Systems and Reference Morrisville State College Library
E-mail: mailto:drewwe@morrisville.edu
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"To teach is to learn twice." - Joseph Joubert