Comments on: ALA 2009: The ALA Council and Same Sex Marriage

By: thelibrarianhistorian

thelibrarianhistorian — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:29:03 +0000

But what if you do not agree with this resolution? I know that it isn’t that major. But when and if I become a member of this organization, I will feel uncomfortable when they create resolutions that do not relate to their organization’s mission and resolutions that go against my personal beliefs. If I do disgree, I can’t say anything because I’ll be going against my organization and members of the organization. Not the intellectual freedom that the profession supposedly promotes.

By: gay librarian

gay librarian — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:03:26 +0000

On the resolution: Many librarians work in institutions which provide many benefits to the spouses of legally married employees, but which do not extend those benefits to non-legal spouses. As an association which promotes the interests of its members, this is entirely within its scope.

Conferences: I have attended conferences as a librarian and as a paraprofessional, both with and without financial support, because I believe it is important for librarians and libraries to be involved in the larger community. There is much to be learned and gained from these experiences. If you really want to participate, find sessions and preconferences relevant to your job, and lobby your supervisor, manager, director, and board to provide opportunities for staff at all levels to have these experiences. Advocate for more funding for training and travel. DO something.

By: John Berry, LJ

John Berry, LJ — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:43:13 +0000

What a surprise that AL’s repeating responders keep making the same mistake, equating ALA with libraries. ALA is a membership organization and I joined it to amplify my voice on professional and social issues. ALA can speak on anything a majority of its members want it to speak on, and it has, like the Vietnam war, racism. and more. ALAisn’t arrogant, its members and their representatives on the ALa Council just decide to engage in the debates in our society and tak positions when they thin it is worthwhile. It is just what I want from a democratic, membership organizaton. No limits on what it can take positions on.

By: TwoQatz

TwoQatz — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:00:17 +0000

Is there any person or comment Mr. Kat doesn’t object to? I think the comment was “some managers” – I read it and thought of The Twit (TT) who has to make sure people in his area are “meeting” on a regular basis. When TT goes on vacation or goes to a conference, people can actually get work done instead of listening to TT pontificate.

A long career in libraries and I’ve always had plenty of work to do. I also made sure I took the time to enjoy my co-workers and our users. I suppose basic human kindness and regard for others counts as goofing off, Mr. Kat. Yet again, I am so glad you don’t work here.

By: Mr. Kat

Mr. Kat — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:30:54 +0000

When some managers leave an amazing amount of work gets done. It’s because goofing is simply isn’t fun once the cat leaves. It’s pretty boring to pretend working if there is nobody to hide it form – and further, the Cat expects everybody to be goofing off, so by doing the opposite you look great when the boss gets back. Once the boss gets back, it’s back to the everyday cahllenge of goofing off like normal again.

By: I Like Books

I Like Books — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:38:41 +0000

I haven’t seen an ALA resolution against kicking puppies. Until they pass such a resolution, I guess I will just have to assume that they endorse the kicking of puppies.

By: AL=RK

AL=RK — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:13:19 +0000

" " . . .or that book with the gay penguins?" Gosh, you would think that someone who claims to be a librarian could find a title of a book like "And Tango Makes Three". Says a lot about our profession, huh. Sorry. I'm a rare books librarian and not a children's librarian. Just wasn't worth my time to look it up."

But it is worth your time to comment twice about it?

If you can't do proper research, keep the snark to yourself.

Thanks

By: another librarian

another librarian — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:03:34 +0000

” . . .or that book with the gay penguins?”

Gosh, you would think that someone who claims to be a librarian could find a title of a book like “And Tango Makes Three”. Says a lot about our profession, huh.

Sorry. I’m a rare books librarian and not a children’s librarian. Just wasn’t worth my time to look it up.

By: Post Postmodern Librarian

Post Postmodern Librarian — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:04:08 +0000

Stopandthinkaboutit the Mayors pass these resolutions because as law makers and managers of government its their job to do so. As librarians we should be concerned if gay people were not allowed to use libraries or if straight couples get more or better library service then gay couples. For staff we should be concerned if gay staff are being treated badly because of their status. So stop and think about it, we are saying we deal with issues that end at the library doors, Thats why its the American Library Association not the American Civil Liberties Union or the Council of Mayors. If you want to deal with Gay rights on a broad scale then join the ACLU or become a mayor. If you do not like your city policy the advocate within your city not with the ALA.

By: NotMariantheLibrarian

NotMariantheLibrarian — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:39:54 +0000

When some managers leave an amazing amount of work gets done. They’re not hanging over one’s every move micromanaging.