Sam's Liberry

Time is flying as it always does.

I have been taking my time to learn my job while acclimating to the new environment. Although there are naturally some things that align or overlap from my previous spot; it also feels like an entirely new world. The school felt big at first, so this new library system and varying branches feels huge. I’m sure as time goes, it will feel like the regular ‘ol stomping grounds, but until then, I will continue to observe and learn from those around me.

Many of the staff have been here for over a decade, let alone multiple. That makes things feel promising in the sense that they have held onto staff for a dedicated lifetime. Not only does it provide a sense of security (given I work up to standards), but an important sense of stability given the current market and state of the world.

Governmental institutions are supposed* to be inherently “neutral”, as we serve all people. To adopt a specific, repeated view or following would be exclusionary and that is quite literally the opposite of a library’s mission. It is hard to stay silent given the crimes being committed on people in this county. My values, politically, socially, all encompassing around the human condition around the world – is in no way tied to the institution I work for.

However, it is equally important to speak on, and fight for the things you believe in outside of work. While this is a portfolio of sorts, it is also me. If an employer were to not want me in their sphere due to posted beliefs, it is likely not an organization I would want to receive money from either.

My work and my outside life will always have a separation; especially for the sake of librarianship and public service. On this outside source of my own creation and worked on solely at home within the safety of my home office, I will spread information, and findings regarding current news as I please.

Hope everyone is taking care of themselves as much as one can with the attack from our government on education, learning, safety, autonomy, justice, and endless endless other rights and protections.

Not sure how the post got here, this was more of a ramble than anything, but indicative of the times. Maybe this will become an archive one day.

Well wishes~

Sam