Steven Bell writes \”This is a response to some commentaries that surfaced in the recent news items about the Forrester commercial reported on LISNews.
Several commenters to the original story criticized those who were offended by Forrester\’s commercial by suggesting that \”we should get off our MLS high horse.\” Their point was that the MLS is not necessary to work in a library in a professional capacity. To their way of thinking, all one needs is a B.A. degree and a few weeks of training at the reference desk or in technical services.
I was personally shocked that some of these individuals readily admitted to being professional, degreed academic librarians, not only because of their perspectives on the MLS issue, but also because of the decidely immature tone of their remarks (insults, name-calling, etc). Of course, these commenters posted anonymously.
Steven Bell writes \”This is a response to some commentaries that surfaced in the recent news items about the Forrester commercial reported on LISNews.
Several commenters to the original story criticized those who were offended by Forrester\’s commercial by suggesting that \”we should get off our MLS high horse.\” Their point was that the MLS is not necessary to work in a library in a professional capacity. To their way of thinking, all one needs is a B.A. degree and a few weeks of training at the reference desk or in technical services.
I was personally shocked that some of these individuals readily admitted to being professional, degreed academic librarians, not only because of their perspectives on the MLS issue, but also because of the decidely immature tone of their remarks (insults, name-calling, etc). Of course, these commenters posted anonymously. Yes, the remarks are disturbing and I and others presented our perspective on why the MLS is about more than just \”working at a desk\”. If, as the \”no MLS needed\” crowd states, the degree is simply a credential one needs to join an exclusive club, I wonder why they remain in the profession at all.
I question their commitment to the field of librarianship – but I don\’t want to go off on a rant here (I already did that in my comments to the Forrester story). Rather, I ask the \”no MLS needed\” crowd to pick up the latest issue of American Libraries (october 2002). You must read the editorial (President\’s Message) by Mitch Freedman that addresses recent attacks on the need for professional librarians from outside the profession. I don\’t think I can make the argument for the need for professional, degreed librarians any better than Freedman does in his commentary.
If this doesn\’t convince you as to the need for the MLS degree – which gives true professionals the EDUCATION they need to succeed in librarianship – again – it\’s not about training – it\’s about education – this isn\’t a vocation – it\’s a profession with a scientific and theoretical foundation (sorry, rant starting).
As Freedman says, \”This is a cry for us to assert the value and need for the work we librarians do.\” So at this time of great challenge – when we have external threats galore to our professional status and the very core of our existence – let\’s try to have a united front on why libraries need to be lead and managed by professional librarians with the appropriate educational qualifications. Do yourself a favor and read Freedman\’s commentary. And while you\’ve got American Libraries in your hands, turn to page 42 and read Steve McKinzie\’s \”on my mind\” piece about why he believes libraries should only staff the reference desk with professionals (no paraprofessionals ever – anytime).
This one is more controversial – and many of us who include paraprofessionals in our reference service – either by choice or need – are likely to find McKinzie\’s vision and tone elitist. But he does make some good points to which the \”no MLS needed\” crowd needs to open their minds. \”
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