A Young Librarian Writes about Ageism in the Profession
From the American Library Association’s New Members Round Table’s newsletter Footnotes, the author talks about her experiences as a young librarian as well as including stories of others who have experienced ageism from professional colleagues and the public. Librarianship is a profession that is “graying” (as are many other fields as the baby boom generation gets older). The average age of a librarian keeps increasing and a number of new librarians are working on their second and third careers. Librarians in their twenties and early thirties seem to be rare.
A few young librarians write about the benefits of being young: it’s helpful for librarians working with children and young adults and for trying new things in the workplace.
December 12th, 2003 at 5:55 pm
This article has been the topic of the day on the Simmons GSLIS student listserv. Many people were offended by the clothing suggestions which they read as “dowdy” and stereotypical. [I am simply sad that Hello Kittiana is discouraged].
December 12th, 2003 at 6:34 pm
I agree with the thoughts that the clothing suggestions were rather dowdy and stereotypical. But there is something to be said for dressing like others dress in certain environments, even if it keeps negative stereotypes alive. Losing some of the items that bring out people’s personalities, though, is sad. I don’t plan to stop wearing geckos, dragonflies, a peace frog, or a turquoise turtle just so I’ll look “more professional.” Next, someone will want me to stop wearing sneakers with my business casual clothes.