The Travelin' Librarian

I recently saw this cartoon from Gapingvoid and it got me thinking.

I don’t believe that I’ve mentioned this previously here but I’m running for vice-chair/chair elect of ITART, the Information Technology and Access Round Table of the Nebraska Library Commission Association. Basically, I’m putting my money (well, my time anyway) where my mouth is.

Folks here in NE have learned over the past year that I find it part of my mission in life, and also part of my job, to shoot my mouth off. I feel that I generally do this when appropriate and with plenty of thought behind what I’m saying but not everyone will agree with that. Since said shooting typically involves saying something along the lines of "why?" not everyone likes what I have to say.

I’ve said some things about the state association in general and about ITART in particular and as a result I’m getting involved. I believe things need to change and in this case they’re best changed from within. (Issue #1: The ITART Web site.)

But, and here’s where the above cartoon fits in, one must be careful not to blend in too much when attempting to create change. Just how much change can George possibly generate when he’s indistinguishable from everyone else in the organization? This is not a problem I generally have, but am still wary of nonetheless.

I’ve met many next-gen librarians in this state and most of them have said the same thing to me in one form or another: I’m trying to change things but no one’s listening. My advice, join with me and STAND OUT. Make some noise. (Just make sure you know what you’re talking about when you do.) Stick to your guns. Join me to work from within. The change will happen eventually.