Librarians Muffled in Philadelphia

This time, it’s the LIBRARIANS being shushed.

Article by Danielle Nagelberg from the Daily Pennsylvanian, regarding the recent prohibition again Philly librarians speaking to the press. Thanks to Rochelle for this interesting link.

July 8, 2005 by birdie Uncategorized 5

Sheilah says:

July 8, 2005 at 6:54 pm

Hawaii anyone?
The circumstances are different to be sure but anyone remember the Hawaiian librarians also being told that they could not talk with anyone a few years ago when there were budget and collection problems?

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GregS* says:

July 8, 2005 at 7:14 pm

chain of command
I can understand the arguement but when you’re on a payroll you have certain obligations to the people signing your check. This is why libraries have Trustees and Friends groups. Let them do the talking for you.

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Bishop says:

July 8, 2005 at 7:38 pm

Re:chain of command
I know that at the public library I work at, we are not allowed to talk to the press. If they have anything they want to ask, we have to direct them to the Press office.

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Cyberpunk Librarian says:

July 8, 2005 at 8:17 pm

Both sides

I can see the wisdom of directing press folk to a leader of some merit or a press office if the library is so lucky to have such a thing. Just knowing what I know about my library, well, I don’t think it’s too different from other libraries that this place is a rumour mill. A rumour gets started in one end of the building and by the time it hits the other end of the building, it’s no longer a rumour, but established fact and far worse than before.

Besides, what might be true today is not necessarily so tomorrow and only the lord high command may have knowledge of such changes since, after all, they’re the ones making the changes.

BUT, and note that that was a big but, there are times I think a little subterfuge is required for the good of all. A little subterfuge can go a long way- just ask Bob Woodward and Mark Felt. Granted, Felt was a lord high command type person, but how many corrupt organizations have been brought down by Anonymous Source? Though, thanks to the courts, good ol’ A. S. will probably become very scarce in the future. Just another example of a government that hates to lose.

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infodiva says:

July 9, 2005 at 12:40 am

Re:chain of command
Yes, I think this is a fairly standard practice. We can also not talk to the press about library matters, and they are referred to the adminstration.

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