Thread by @Fobettarh

Although I’m quoted in this article, it leaves out the context of my larger argument. So, here’s a short thread explaining said argument and why the framing of this article reinforces vocational awe.

apnews.com/ae0e76071cbc49…

So the article sets me up “in opposition to” those who believe that naxalone training and social work is the new requirement of librarianship. And that these skills are just an extension of the work we do as outreach to our communities.

The actual quotes used in the article (stripped of context) is “It would just be a lot for my mental health.” And “that too many expectations can distract librarians from their work.”

This binary of “for vs against” mental health/social work services in libraries is a simplistic reading of a complex issue. It sets up those who are “against” to be seen as shameful, selfish & not dedicated to librarianship i.e. librarians are held in awe because they “do it all”

There are many reasons why a library worker would feel uncomfortable or even unsafe providing these services. Addiction in their own lives, PTSD and other mental health problems, etc. But also library workers shouldnt have to have “acceptable reasons” to justify their discomfort

The problem with vocational awe is that it only allows ONE way to be a good librarian. And in this conversation that one way is to jump into mental health and addiction services with both feet. No exceptions. That is what I take issue with.

My “side” of the argument isn’t for librarianship to ignore these issues in libraries. Rather, it is to use people who are ALREADY trained for these services rather than using librarians who are overworked, burnt out, and unprepared to take even more on.

Just as we as a field are upset when teachers, community members, etc are placed in libraries w/o any training, we shouldn’t allow ourselves to believe that a 2 day training or similar means we can be placed in a social worker role effectively.

And finally, if you want to be prepared & help in this capacity that is great! More power to you! I just don’t believe that it should be made a -requirement- for everyone in librarianship. Explicit or otherwise. Job creep is a huge problem in libraries. Let’s not add to it.