Comments on: The Monkey Song (with a hat tip to Louis Prima)

By: JBeek

JBeek — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:57:59 +0000

We’re also very happy that Laura participates in Radical Reference, an online (and off) community of librarians.

By: Rebecca Hedreen

Rebecca Hedreen — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:11:15 +0000

One of the secrets of my success: ask “stupid” questions. We don’t do so much because we are afraid of looking stupid, but it’s better to go and do it. I try and ask, “What do you mean? Why did you say that? Give me more detail.” when everyone around me is nodding their heads. It gets past the jargon and the bs, and gets to the heart of the issue. I started it in grad school, when I realized, “I’m paying for this, I need to understand, so I’m going ask!” I’ve had more people thank me for doing that than for nearly anything else I’ve done, and it gives me the courage to go and do other things, like start a blog, comment on “famous” people’s blogs, and even, occasionally at least, introduce myself to people at conferences!

By: Jaime Hammond

Jaime Hammond — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:01:52 +0000

Meredith,

I really appreciated reading this blog post. As a new librarian (11 months into my first professional position), I have found myself reading your blog or your AL column and asking myself, “How can I continue to feel the passion and motivation I feel now, and make something of it?” I think that you’re correct, just doing it will serve you right. One thing I see a lot of on the listservs is complaining- and I really feel that being positive and motivated will get you further than any laundry list of degrees. I’m glad to hear that in your case, your natural passion for the profession is what led you to your early successes.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:42:41 +0000

Wise words, Meredith. Hopefully with this thread will motivate more librarians to set aside qualms, insecurities, fear of rejection, etc. and not be afraid to put themselves out there, network, and show passion for what they do on a daily basis. As my grandfather used to say, “There are two ways to climb an oak tree. One way is to climb the tree….the other is to sit on an acorn and wait.”

By: Meredith Farkas

Meredith Farkas — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:26:32 +0000

Karen, I definitely didn’t assume that the person writing was looking for “hollow recognition” but wanted to emphasize that the focus should be more on doing what you love, because people notice when you write/speak/contribute with passion. I don’t think anyone castigated her for asking for help, but I do think that people need to know that the best thing they can do is just put themselves out there. Waiting for things to happen will only lead to disappointment — I’ve been there at other points in my own life and I wish someone had said the same thing to me at the time.

By: Lori Reed

Lori Reed — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:58:01 +0000

“That woman also mentioned feeling like she couldn’t start a blog because most of the niches have been taken.”

I remember feeling this way, but that is the beauty of the library world. There is always room for new and fresh voices. I can’t imagine that in other industries new bloggers, writers, speakers would be made to feel so welcome as they are in the biblioblogosphere.

Thanks for the great post.

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:38:46 +0000

I am sure that new librarians will really appreciate this sort of practical advice. A lot probably would like to contribute for the better, but are unsure about where to begin. Blogs like this serve a meaningful purpose in helping them on that first important step. However, it is unfair to assume that they are merely looking for hollow recognition. It should not be a crime to ask for help; asking for help doesn’t equate wanting opportunties to just fall in one’s lap.

By: Dani Vaughn-Tucker

Dani Vaughn-Tucker — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:33:09 +0000

Meredith, I couldn’t agree with you more! I work in a small academic library where I wear two hats (archivist and reference librarian), neither position offers much in the way of professional development or speaking engagements, so I’ve found my own way to stay engaged. I’ve created two blogs – each relating to the two hats that I wear and I try to maintain some sort of professional connection through social networks. I’m not seeking fame and fortune through library work, but I am hoping to be better at what I do, thereby, ensuring that my students become the best at what they do.

By: stevenb

stevenb — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:23:58 +0000

Passion is important but you also need a good idea and the ability to communicate it to others in a “sticky” way – so it’s memorable. Coming up with good ideas isn’t easy. Listen to librarians when they complain. What do they need? What don’t they have that they want? What do they want to do better? Also pay more attention to what’s happening in fields peripheral to librarianship for ideas that could transfer. Once you have an idea that might be of interest start to communicate about it and see how colleagues react. If your idea resonates with others you’ll know it. Then the rest is up to you.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:20:11 +0000

Not to just echo “just do it” but … “just do it”! And … a few other thoughts. Be clear what your goals are (e.g., just to be famous? to make a difference?) and what you are willing to invest in your own career (e.g., how much of your own money, extra time, etc.). Volunteer for tasks that most people don’t want to do and not only do them but do them well. No whining. Say “thank you” to others who make opportunities for you – do your best to make opportunities for others. Be lucky (though also watch for opportunities to make your own luck). The biggest thing – be ready to work really hard.