A while back, just before ALA Annual, I wrote a post declaring my opinion that Leslie Burger’s Emerging Leaders program was discriminatory due to its age restrictions. That post got a lot of comments, most of which were in general agreement, although several pointed out other ways in which it was, at best, non-inclusive and, at worst, was discriminatory.
I believe that there was some discussion of this program at ALA, but I heard no more about it. Last night I saw a post on it again in my Bloglines. I must not have kept it as I can no longer find it this morning. So I apologize to whomever alerted me to this again.
It seems Leslie Burger deserves a hand for listening to someone or someones. The qualifications now say: 2) Young (under 35 years) or new librarians of any age with fewer than 5 years post-MLS experience.
That second clause is new. And I, for one, applaud it. A few other minor questions I initially asked seem to have been answered also. Thank you Madame President!
Now, to be sure, there are still some financial issues for many who might want to apply. Yet, I feel I must give credit for my initial direct concern being answered. I am taking no credit for this whatsoever; I am not deluding myself that Leslie reads my blog. Actually, I am assuming several of the folks commenting on my post (Karen, Nanette, … and maybe others) addressed it in some manner during Annual. Nonetheless, my initial concern was addressed and I feel that it is only right to credit that change.
6 responses so far ↓
1 Angel // Jul 22, 2006 at 12:05 pm
I thought for a moment I was having some Orwellian moment when I checked the site and saw the change. “Wait, did it not say. . .?”was my initial reaction after seeing that other post and jumping over to look. Someone someplace must have heard a thing or two and quietly changed it. So, some kudos for listening, even if it was done under the radar (had I not seen that one post, I would have never noticed). At any rate, the financial obstacle is still quite significant, but that is another story. Best and keep on blogging.
2 jenny // Jul 22, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Are you applying?
It seems to me it would be more reasonable with just the “5 years” clause. By the time I am 35 I will have been a librarian for almost 10 years.
3 Mark // Jul 22, 2006 at 4:20 pm
Angel, agreed on the financial obstacles.
Jenny, vaguely considering it, but not likely. There’s no way I can afford it!
If I was only considering attending ALA conferences for the next few years, then I possibly could afford it, but still only at great financial sacrifice.
As it is, I intend to attend ASIS&T in Austin in the fall, because for many reasons I’d be a fool not to. I’d also like to attend ACRL in April 07 in Baltimore because I enjoyed the last one in Minneapolis so much. That said, I’d like to attend either ALA Midwinter or Annual next year. Seattle’s probably not affordable, especially in the middle of ASIS&T and ACRL. I have family in DC so it’s a lot more doable, IF I can afford travel.
If I knew I had a “sponsorship” and could afford it, it’d be doable (possibly). But I’m not banking on that. I’m also hoping for something else *wink wink* that will include a fair amount of traveling. So, as much as I’d like to be involved in some things with ACRL and ALCTS (and probably even LITA) I just don’t see this program as doable for me right now.
And before someone protests that I was squawking about nothing then, no, I was claiming that is was initially discriminatory on principle. I’m not the kind of ethicist who only complains when something affects me. Or, at least, I try not to be. It was, and is, about principle, not privilege.
4 Faye // Jul 22, 2006 at 6:28 pm
I too, am surprised and pleased the change. As a paraprofessional of 20 years in the library field, and one year post-MLS I am glad to know the organization I feel proud to belong recognizes oversights and corrects them.
Having been offered (and accepted) my first academic professional position, this may or may not be for me. But I am delighted that ALA recognizes those of us over 35 and newly-minted.
Mark, thanks for posting and I love the look of the new blog!
5 Mark // Jul 23, 2006 at 1:04 pm
Hi Faye,
Congrats on the job! I’ll be looking soon enough I imagine. All in all, I’ve done a lot of growing in the last couple years and I think I’ll be good and ready when the time comes. Continuing to pleasantly surprise myself.
I’m still mulling over whether this opportunity is for me or not and whether I can afford it.
Thanks for the feedback! I will be making some changes, but probably not immediately as I am more interested in some content issues and learning WordPress before I get too carried away. That said, I am investigating some minor style issues I’d like to address.
6 Angel // Jul 24, 2006 at 8:41 am
Congratulations to Faye as well. For me, the issue of applying would be financial as well, especially the commitment to having to attend two major conferences. Then again, that is ALA modus operandi (you want to participate, you have to travel and pay through the. . .). While it sounds appealing in theory, just not feasible for me in practice. I can’t afford it personally, and neither could my institution. To be honest, I am not so sure I find ALA and national stuff that appealing. It just seems so far away. I just completed regional Immersion, and the fact it was hosted this year in Houston made a difference. Had it been in a place like Seattle, my library and me would have just missed out, and for an Instruction Librarian, it does not get any more relevant than Immersion. Oh, well, c’est la vie. By the way, nice look on the blog. Best, and keep on blogging.