Feedback

By Staff -- Library Journal, 3/1/2007

Aren't we teachers?

I was really puzzled why Adam Holland (“Gender Bias in Libraries?” BackTalk, LJ 1/07, p. 64) thought there was a gender bias in hiring men in public libraries. It is a man's choice not to go to a public library because of the salary.... What man could support a family on a $40,000 salary as a reference librarian? I have a master's degree plus 30 years. If I worked in the school system, I would be making $20,000 more than I do now. School districts have strong unions, and most libraries do not have one. Still, many students come to the library. We have to show them how to use research tools, how to do bibliographies, etc. Aren't we teachers, too? So why the salary disparity?

I have to work two jobs to support myself. Men and heads of households could not work in a public library and expect to support a family.—Linda Jones, Ft. Washington, PA

I have read Library Journal for over 20 years and have always enjoyed the Feedback [formerly Letters] wars. I have yelled at the wall in defiance or in agreement with many, many letter writers and topics. When I read the letter by Tess Pappas (“All Americans,” Feedback, LJ 2/1/07, p. 10), I stopped dead in my tracks. My blood ran cold. I felt neither disgust nor anger. I felt terror. It seems that Pappas does not like it that different cultures, ethnicities, and groups occupy the same country that she does. How dare they speak and look different. How dare they pay taxes and expect representation at the same time. How dare they live.

I wonder how this particular librarian “serves.” Is it on looks? Is it on language? Will the patron pass her rigid tests? Maybe she can post a picture of what a real American looks like. We will probably need audio to hear what one speaks like. I am sure regional accents are up for debate as well. I am also curious as to how someone received a master's degree without actually learning the true beliefs of the Founding Fathers. They were quite fearful of the very thing she represents. To hide one's culture, food, music, language, and faith is reminiscent of Eastern Europe circa 1920–46. This is not the America I want to live in. This is not the American I aspire to be.—Michelle Yochim, Warren, MI, proudly of Italian and German descent and serving all patrons

That my library requires a photo ID and proof of address from potential cardholders has nothing to do with immigration laws or local ill will toward our immigrant population. We are not setting up “roadblocks” to access of government services. We are not checking for green cards. We are certainly not attempting to establish a master race, and we don't have the technology needed to track anyone by their DNA.

I am shocked that Francine Fialkoff (“Say No to Photo IDs,” Editorial, LJ 11/1/06, p. 8) would read such nefarious intent into a simple request for photo ID in the year 2006. I must assume that the local news in New York is not running the same stories of identity theft that we see on a fairly regular basis here in North Carolina.

I agree wholeheartedly with Fialkoff. Librarians do “know the value of free and open access.” A library card is a wonderful thing—a symbol of our society's steadfast belief that each person living on American soil has the right to read, view, listen, and learn freely.

A library card is also, however, a physical manifestation of the contract that exists between the public library and the cardholder. When I sign up for a library card, I understand that I am responsible for any materials checked out on that card. I must return those items on time and in good condition to uphold my end of the bargain.

Unfortunately, this sometimes means that our patrons must pay overdue fines or cover the replacement cost of damaged items checked out on their card. It is because of this potential for financial liability that I must take care to ensure to the best of my ability that the person standing in front of me signing, for example, Francine Fialkoff's name on our library card application is indeed Francine Fialkoff....

Library staff are responsible for protecting the taxpayers' investment in our collection, and library collections are meant to be used.... It would be foolhardy, however, to allow anyone to walk out our door with hundreds of dollars' worth of materials without at least verifying their identity and address.... That verification, ultimately, strengthens our library, providing access to a better collection for all of our patrons. This librarian absolutely says, “YES!” to photo ID!—Heather Holley-Hall, Head of Branch Libs., Alamance Cty. P.Ls., NC

I just read the Prepub Alert for Randy Wayne White's newest novel (LJ 11/1/06, p. 52). To quote from the review, “...then finds himself drug into the man's plans....” “Dragged,” please, not “drug.” Is basic grammar too much to ask?—Anne Hudson, CARLI Data Svcs., Champaign, IL