This one has really got me thinking but I’m not sure I have much to say. Basically it’s made me realize that when people have asked me recently “what do you do?” I’ve been responding “I teach computers” or “I work for the state”. Notice that those answers don’t include the word “librarian” anywhere. Maybe sometimes it’s because I don’t really want to have a conversation (I’d really prefer quiet when getting my hair cut; it’s not a social thing for me) or maybe it’s the situation (when talking to someone else about a computer problem, mentioning that I deal with computers is more relevant than being a librarian) but now I want/need to figure it out for myself.
So, simply put, I need to advocate more to people who aren’t librarians themselves. Granted talking amongst ourselves is important but considering the majority of us are employed based on taxes, we should all be doing more to let everyone know that librarians are lurking where others may least expect it.
Michael Sauers is the Director of Logan Library in Logan, UT. Prior to this he was one of the founding staff and Technology Manager for Do Space in Omaha, NE. After earning his MLS in 1995 from the University at Albany's School of Information Science and Policy Michael spent his first 20 years as a librarian training other librarians in technology along with time as a public library trustee, a bookstore manager for a library friends group, a reference librarian, a technology consultant, and a bookseller. He has written dozens of articles for various journals and magazines and has published 14 books ranging from library technology, blogging, Web design, and an index to a popular horror magazine. In his spare time, he blogs at TravelinLibrarian.info, runs The Collector's Guide to Dean Koontz website at CollectingKoontz.com, takes many, many photos, and typically reads more than 100 books a year.
Unless otherwise stated, all opinions are my own and are not to be considered those of the City of Logan, UT.
View all posts by Michael Sauers
One Reply to “CPD23 Thing #16: Advocacy”
Yes please, more advocacy! If each person who worked in libraries made an extra effort, we could reach millions of people! You don’t even have to be brave or outgoing. You can help change someone’s perception in a few seconds. Here’s one example from my marketing blog: http://themwordblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/oustanding-elevator-speech.html
If you search “elevator speech” there, you’ll find more.
I totally get that you don’t always feel like talking, and that sometimes computer-speak is more appropriate to a conversation. But you can answer “What do you do?” in quick, interesting ways that opens people’s eyes and make them want to know more. For example:
* “I work with computers in one of the most fast-paced industries out there.”
* “I help people better themselves & improve their lives.”
* “I run the computers for one of the state’s most important information agencies.”
* “I have a great job in technology innovation.”
Etc., etc. It’s all in the spin, in making your job sound worthwhile / interesting / surprising to people outside our field. Why just say “I work in a library” when you can give a “WOW” answer?!? If it helps, don’t think of it as advocacy — think of it as surprising and impressing people.
This one has really got me thinking but I’m not sure I have much to say. Basically it’s made me realize that when people have asked me recently “what do you do?” I’ve been responding “I teach computers” or “I work for the state”. Notice that those answers don’t include the word “librarian” anywhere. Maybe sometimes it’s because I don’t really want to have a conversation (I’d really prefer quiet when getting my hair cut; it’s not a social thing for me) or maybe it’s the situation (when talking to someone else about a computer problem, mentioning that I deal with computers is more relevant than being a librarian) but now I want/need to figure it out for myself.
Yes please, more advocacy! If each person who worked in libraries made an extra effort, we could reach millions of people! You don’t even have to be brave or outgoing. You can help change someone’s perception in a few seconds. Here’s one example from my marketing blog: http://themwordblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/oustanding-elevator-speech.html
If you search “elevator speech” there, you’ll find more.
I totally get that you don’t always feel like talking, and that sometimes computer-speak is more appropriate to a conversation. But you can answer “What do you do?” in quick, interesting ways that opens people’s eyes and make them want to know more. For example:
* “I work with computers in one of the most fast-paced industries out there.”
* “I help people better themselves & improve their lives.”
* “I run the computers for one of the state’s most important information agencies.”
* “I have a great job in technology innovation.”
Etc., etc. It’s all in the spin, in making your job sound worthwhile / interesting / surprising to people outside our field. Why just say “I work in a library” when you can give a “WOW” answer?!? If it helps, don’t think of it as advocacy — think of it as surprising and impressing people.