Challenges
A friend often interrogates–a word he’ll think is much too harsh, but that’s what it feels like to me–me about certain things related to my profession. Sometimes the conversations make me feel very aggravated.
“That’s just how it is! Can’t you just understand that? That’s what they taught us in library school.” I’m tempted to yell in frustration while I feel like I have to be on the defensive. “Who’s the librarian here, me or you?”
When I’ve calmed down, I remember that questioning everything I do isn’t a bad thing; and, though library school gave me a good foundation to do my job, it didn’t teach me everything I need to know and there are no absolutes in the profession. I need to figure out how to find his discussion style less frustrating, not interpret the barrage of questions as an attack. When he explains why he’s asking or gives me his perspective on the issue du jour, it’s often very intelligent, well informed, worth reflection, and educational. I like to think about things, just not on my feet while I feel like I’m under fire. Sometimes I’m just stunned in a positive way at his words and what he chooses to criticize. “You mean people besides librarians think about these things?” I can learn a lot from him and look forward to the next challenge.
