I'm going to make a confession: I'm proud of my accomplishments. Yes, I even have an ego over some of the things I've managed to achieve in my limited years and I feel I should be allowed this self-indulgence because rarely do I rub it in anyone's face unless provoked or if I'm joking. One of my many pet peeves is when people question my work ethic or knowledge. I'll readily admit when I don't know something and am always willing to ask for help.
Yet, one of my colleagues once asked me what experience I had to get the job since this particular individual had been doing their own family research for twenty odd years. I, of course, responded with my vitae of accomplishments, which includes managing an entire collection and two satellite centers, thank you very much!
Then yesterday, I had an individual who asked about my entry level position. I didn't want to insult the person but felt the need to mention that my position requires a masters degree and several years of experience. The person followed this up by saying, they didn't mean to sound rude, but what experience did I have. As my other colleague can attest, this was all said in a somewhat astounded tone. My response of course was the "I managed an entire collection for a few years to gain experience."
A part of me wants to believe these people truly don't realize how insulting they are, but admits that yes, they do. They qualify their statements in hopes of disarming and then follow through with their insult. It's all rather annoying. But I have to admit, I love rubbing people's faces in my accomplishments because I do try to be humble under normal conditions.
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On the other hand, I really think there are undereducated people out there who have absolutely no conception of what other people do for a living. Oh, yeah, they know doctors and auto mechanics need some experience, but figure that ANYONE can design a building (just draw some lines, right?), or be a counselor (heck, we all listen to our friends talk, yes?), or yeah, be a librarian (all we do is read books all day and check out books, 'cuz that's all I ever see). Their horizons are so low because this country (and others!) have been dumbed down... well, I won't go off on THAT rant.
I LOVE it when people say in an astounded tone, "You have to have a Master's degree to do what you do." Why yes, I do! Why? Because it involves MIND READING and PHYSIC POWERS. Seriously?
Maybe they think you look too young to have acquired any amount of experience.
I don't think anyone in the outside world thinks that a librarian has to have an education. Think about the time before you became employed at a library. What was your impression of what went on there? What did you see? You saw people checking out books, avoiding eye contact and looking things up in an encyclopedia. And, sometimes they would help you find a book. Something most anyone can do. I know I have the no eye contact down. Sorry to say, I think Librarians are one of those occupations that people have no idea what is involved. You know when you go to your doctor, dentist, lawyer...that these people know something. Something different from what you know. But mostly, a lot of people don't know what is involved in being a librarian...they just know what they see and a lot of times they don't see a "real" librarian. They don't know whether they are talking to a librarian, clerk, volunteer or shelver. They also assume if you work in a library, you are a librarian. Most regular people have no conception of what goes on in such a place. All they see is surface.
I'm done. Except, you shouldn't be upset by people doubting your intelligence...as long as you know. You could wear a badge that has your degree on it.
Now, I'm done.
Check out this cartoon that relates: http://www.unshelved.com/2011-8-29
Mich
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