Mike Campagna is a 25 year old Assistant Librarian at the Barrington Area Library in Illinois. If you have any questions you can email him at: mike.k.camp[at sign]gmail[dot]com or follow him on twitter.
One of the best aspects of working in a library is the diversity and individuality of library employees. We span a large range in age, attributes and interests. However, there are many different perspectives represented within our generation as well. This project, Putting a Face on Young Librarians, shows the differences we all have, but unifies us around the same passion.
Putting a Face on Young Librarians is a two part project. The initial part of the project requires a little help from other young library employees. I am asking you to submit photos of yourself to a Flickr group and add a title from the listing (see Flickr group) or make one of your own. The second part of the project will be a compilation of the photos presenting who young librarians are, what we represent and what we want to achieve. The goals of this presentation are to create an active community, provide an open forum to express ourselves and build a foundation for the future.
Creating a community is difficult, but creating an active community is even more challenging. Many library employees have the desire to contribute, but may not have time to start a blog or get a new idea off the ground. This project serves as a convenient way to become an active participant in the Young Librarian Series. The Flickr group will also allow us to see each other and interact with peers by posting to the group’s discussion board.
Building a foundation for the future is a bit…ok…EXTREMELY idealistic. After all, how are a bunch of pictures going to do ANYTHING for the betterment of libraries? This presentation is a starting point in defining what it means to be a modern librarian. Modern librarian is a term that should be used across the spectrum of librarians and is not necessarily synonymous with young librarian. Librarians in different generations have provided us with great ideas and resources and now it is time we help ourselves and the next generation.
Thanks and I look forward to seeing your submissions!