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Too Nice "NewLib"March 10, 2009 There is a sad message from many of the "mentors" on NEWLIB-L, a discussion list for new librarians that is one of my favorites. The list has a home page at NEWLIB-L. The message in several posts is to "express yourself with great care not to offend anyone else who reads the list." Several posts have ranted about postings that were considered "unprofessional" or "off topic." What they really tell the "new" librarian is that free expression doesn't apply in professional discourse, only out in the street or in your personal debates. This same syndrome haunts many discussion lists from ALA units and others. It is as if free expression must be limited or at least tempered if it is to be allowed online. It is the wrong message, especially in a profession where so many have sacrificed so much for free expression. Hope that the new technology isn't wasted on an excess of amenities, niceties, and free advice that is worth the price. If those "mentors" can't take the heat, tell 'em to get out of the kitchen.Posted by John N. Berry III on March 10, 2009 | Comments (5)
March 11, 2009
In response to: Too Nice "NewLib" Brian Gray commented: If you talking about the discussion the last week or so, I do not recall one person making the statement to be careful not to OFFEND people. That was not part of the discussion at all.
March 11, 2009
In response to: Too Nice "NewLib" Brian Gray commented: Every tool or communication channel we use has silos for its purpose. Our entire profession is based on organizing info. You pick the tool appropriate for your need.
March 11, 2009
In response to: Too Nice "NewLib" audrey1962 commented: Niceties and politeness do NOT equate to a restriction of free expression.
March 12, 2009
In response to: Too Nice "NewLib" Sabrina commented: The "career help" message, which is the message that began this whole mess, did not fit into the goals of the list. The list owner said as much in her reply. Encouraging librarians to look into thievery and violence -- even murder -- is hardly appropriate. Tongue-in-cheek? Perhaps. Inappropriate for the stated purpose of the list? Yes. Many of the responses that followed were unprofessional at best.
March 17, 2009
In response to: Too Nice "NewLib" Absolutely_Correct commented: Thanks for sticking up for FReedom!
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