Migrating to public librarianship: depart on time to ensure a smooth flight

Library Trends, Spring, 2002 by Ronald G. Edwards

ABSTRACT

CAREER CHANGE CAN BE A DIFFICULT, TIME-CONSUMING, and anxiety-laden process for anyone contemplating this important decision. The challenges faced by librarians considering the move from academic to public librarianship can be equally and significantly demanding. To most outsiders, at least on the surface, it may appear to be a quick and easy transition to make, but some professional librarians recognize the distinct differences between these areas of librarianship. Although the ubiquitous nature of technology has brought the various work responsibilities of academic and public librarians closer together during the last decade, there remain key differences in job-related duties and the work environments. These dissimilarities pose meaningful hurdles to leap for academic librarians wishing to migrate to the public sector. By examining the variations between academic and public librarianship, academic librarians may find the transition to public librarianship less intimidating.

Public libraries have a long history of educational and cultural involvement with the communities they serve. In the earliest days, and even well into the twentieth century, many public libraries were constructed with private funds on the condition that library services were provided to the general public at no cost to the library user. Educators, business professionals, politicians, and other civic leaders firmly believed that there was a direct correlation between the provision of free library services and a literate populace and a free society (Kemp, 1999, p. 116). This philosophy is still adhered to today and serves as the foundation for many services provided by public libraries, especially small to medium-sized facilities.

In order to better comprehend what is involved in pursuing a career in public librarianship, an understanding of public library in comparison to academic library organization is essential. Although various public service initiatives offered in public libraries are similar to those prevalent in academic libraries, distinct variations exist which affect the overall organizational structure and operations. Likewise, internal and external issues confronting public libraries are noticeably different when compared to the academic environment. These unique characteristics of organizational design are evident throughout public libraries. Considered collectively these individual features help to define public libraries in general and distinguish them from academic organizations.

Public libraries reflect, to a large degree, the communities they serve. They are usually established as a result of public law and are empowered through various legislation. Although most public libraries operate somewhat independently of other government agencies, they are administered by library boards which are normally appointed or elected to serve the surrounding community. Maintained primarily by local or property taxes, public libraries also rely on a combination of state and federal funding. Theoretically, public libraries provide open access to all library users, but in actuality certain municipalities alter this practice based on individual economic needs and other fiscal considerations.

POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The political climate of a public library plays a major role in its stability, development, and success as an institution. Despite the fact that public library directors and library boards bear the brunt of political pressures, frontline librarians also feel the effects of such pressures since public policy and major decisions cross all boundaries. Because public libraries are dependent on local and state funding, and since board members are usually appointed by the same political figures responsible for this financial support, the political character of public librarianship often mirrors its trustees. The variety of individuals and groups serviced by public libraries is so diverse that managing the political agenda becomes a tremendous task. Educational institutions, governmental agencies, civic groups, private citizens, and the business community must all be tended to and handled with care. Each constituent requires its own politically correct response.

Academic libraries, on the other hand, exist to meet the educational and research needs of a fairly limited variety of clientele. Primarily, these constituents are composed of students and faculty throughout the campus community. Nontraditional students and the expansion of distance education have changed the complexion and increased the average age of students across the curriculum in the United States, but the majority of library users at academic institutions are still in the 18-35 age bracket. The function of the academic library is connected to the overall function of the college or university it serves. It also provides services and resources to the college or university administration and staff, but to a lesser extent. Organizational goals and objectives are developed specifically in response to these types of library users, although the community at large is factored into this equation regarding various outreach initiatives. The political pressure that is extremely visible in public libraries is less conspicuous from outside sources in the community and is certainly nonexistent from library boards regarding academic libraries.