Comments on: When you’re wrong on the message…

By: waltcrawford

waltcrawford — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:34:15 +0000

Thanks both (and I do wonder about public library parallels, ignoring cough ebooks from the big publishers cough). There's another aspect to this discussion which I also find distressing, although I mostly hear about it second-hand: Namely, the librarians pushing back at Jenica Rogers for making this decision, basically saying "you need to find some other part of your budget to eviscerate, so that ACS can have whatever they ask, 'cuz it's good content." Jenica Rogers' September 27, 2012 post "we are not the ones who failed" specifically addresses this issue (and others). I note it in the bullets at the end of the post above, but it's worth pointing out again: essential reading, including the comments. We need more librarians saying "too much is too much"--working with faculty to understand and make the hard decisions. We really do not need librarians undercutting other librarians who have the courage to do this.

By: Louise Alcorn

Louise Alcorn — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:55:25 +0000

Well said, Walt. Public libraries are watching this situation with cautious and paranoid eye, waiting for our own ACS-type situation with any of our more public library-oriented content providers. Nearly all the posts I’ve seen on this subject – Jenica and others – have been clear, concerned, responsive and truthful. Including that we are, by and large, drowning under some of these price increases. It is our professional mission to expand access to resources, not restrict them. We do not make cancellation decisions lightly. Implying that we do is, as you point out, insulting. Thanks for a nice take on this particular brouhaha.

By: Angel

Angel — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:33:47 +0000

A very nice summary of the event. Kind of one-stop overview for those of us caught in a few other things. Now all we need is more librarians telling ACS what they can do with their bully tactics. And they can quote me on that because if there is anything I hate it is a bully.

As always, best and keep on blogging.

By: waltcrawford

waltcrawford — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:06:16 +0000

You’re welcome, and I’m certain it’s all true. As for guessing why you might want to get a PhD: Nope, haven’t a clue. (I still don’t use emoticons.) Funny how I didn’t even think of that factor (originally).

One of these months, I really do need to do the writeup on why I’m not too concerned about the future of libraries & librarianship. It’s people like you, and a fair number of others, and in academic, public and special libraries. (I don’t know enough school librarians.)

By: Jenica Rogers

Jenica Rogers — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 20:50:50 +0000

Hey, Walt, guess at one of the reasons I want to go get a PhD. GUESS. JUST GUESS.

Thank you for this. It’s flattering, it’s kind, and I think it’s all true. I appreciate the eloquence.

By: waltcrawford

waltcrawford — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:52:41 +0000

You’re welcome. Others are also saying things that need to be said, differently, which is as it should be. We need more academic librarians saying these things (and acting on them) as well.

Part of me almost had a mock CHE story, basically taking the real one but changing the protagonist to Dr. Jerry P. Rogers, 54-year-old University Librarian at the (R1) Atlantis State University and his Attempting Eloquence blog–but with the same actions, the same statement, and the same willingness by Jerry to speak informally in what he took to be an informal, semi-private setting. Would the ACS PR person be so quick to try to denigrate Dr. Rogers rather than dealing with the real issues? Maybe, but I doubt it.

By: Michael Golrick

Michael Golrick — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:41:31 +0000

Thanks Walt. You said much of what I was thinking (and some things like the FriendFeed stuff that I did not know about), in a thoughtful way.

When I first read the ACS approved quip “that does not excuse rude behavior or her use of profanity and vulgarity in addressing ACS or its employees” I went back and could not find it and was puzzled.

I’d also note that there is a certain irony that he says “ACS finds that direct engagement via telephone or face-to-face with individuals expressing concern over pricing or other related matters is the most productive means to finding common ground and resolution” not to Jenica Rogers, but to a reporter….