The library world's a-buzz with this story out of New Zealand. According to news reports, "style queen Paula Ryan will run a workshop at the national library conference this month, offering tips on how to transform their "conservative and dated image.'" Promotional material for the workshop reads as follows: "Librarians as a profession have a very conservative and dated image: if we want to transform our profession then surely we must start by transforming ourselves." As a backlash, librarians in Christchurch, NZ have taken to wearing floral smocks. These smocks , which one librarian said made them look like "a comfy, covered armchair", were standard uniform for Canterbury staff in the 1960s.
Ryan responded to the charges of being patronizing by noting "I have never patronised librarians in my entire life." Further, she notes "There is obviously some sensitivity in the profession about stereotypes." "I would expect today many librarians are quirky and left of centre. I suspect that image has long gone," she said.
No comments:
Post a Comment