Dress codes

Library Administrator's Digest, Sep 2002 by Robinson, Charles W

The dress code of the Queens Borough (NY) Public Library (see News Section) is, to my mind, a fine example of a library administration desperately trying to shoot itself in the foot. Systemwide dress codes are almost impossible to put together in a rational manner: any code cannot really apply to all employees, there are so many necessary exceptions, and they go out of date almost instantly.

I know, having scars in my foot to prove it.

I suppose you could have sort of a one-sentence dress code, like "dress must be appropriate to the performance of the job." Then supervisors could "counsel" staff when they come in wearing something outrageous (in the view of the supervisor, I guess). Even that is going to be touchy.

I remember years and years ago how I was really dubious about women coming in the new and shocking "pantsuits." Now, skirts seem to be the exception rather than the rule, and in my mind pants are more appropriate to the job than skirts in a library anyway. And blue denim? Hey, half the world is clad in denim all the time.

And what's this about body piercing? "... in 1993, body piercing wasn't an issue, it's an issue now." I seem to remember that ear lobes were pierced even in 1993. Sure, it's a source of wonderment to me when I see a checkout clerk with a nose ring or a techie with a lip ring. Makes me (obviously not their contemporaries) cringe.

Tattoos? Come on: by my count on the beach this summer, 50 percent of women under 30 and some up to 45 have tattoos, some on their upper arms, almost impossible (and unnecessary) to hide in the summer. A fraternity brother of mine in 1948 had his Greek letters on his lower arm. And how about nature's tattoos, birthmarks?

And males obliged to wear ties? I think that should apply only to male directors, but from what I've seen, not all of them observe that rule.

I'll bet that Queens will abandon this nonsense before this appears. Never pass unenforceable laws, someone has said.

Charles W. Robinson

Director Emeritus, BCPL

Editor

geezer@bcpl.net