Dear Law-Lib:
The cover article from the most recent issue
of _Law_Lines_ (July/August 1995), published by
the Law Library Association of Greater New York
(LLAGNY) puts forth the contention that as hard
as those in "leadership and management positions"
work to have the library perceived as a worthwhile
instrument, the "rank and file" have been stonewalling
these endeavors.
The article is entitled "One Librarian's Opinion
Managing Change." The truly shocking thing about this
article (aside from the fact that I disagree
with a majority of this librarian's opinion) is that
it is anonymous. The librarian refers to the law firm
at which he/she works as X LAW FIRM. Since when do we
as professionals make statements and print them in ou
professional organs without accountability!
_Law_Lines_ contains a disclaimer that reads, "All
contributions submitted for publication are subject to
editorial review and are published at editorial discretion.
LLAGNY does not assume responsibility for the statements
advanced by the contributors to _Law_Lines_ nor do the views
expressed necessarily represent the views of LLAGNY or its
members." Then who claims responsibility for this article?
Not the author, not the publisher, perhaps a good bit more
editorial discretion was needed.
I have great respect for those individuals within
the profession who are brave enough to take positions
contrary to those generally held. I have no respect at all
though for those who must do so behind a screen of
anonymity!
The librarian in the article claims that librarians
have trouble making the transition from library administrator
to financial administrator. The author sees efforts to do so
being hampered by the "rank and file" members of library staffs.
The author bases these opinions on his/her personal experience
with the staff members of his/her library.
The librarian finds that attempts to shift his/her staff
at X LAW FIRM to new ways of thinking were met with resistance.
Submitting time records and statistics is viewed by the
staff as burdensome. The staff is too "lazy" (the author's
word) to do these tasks. The author's staff objects to
doing overtime and resents having to work through lunch.
The staff does not accept responsibility for their own
welfare, comfort or job security. The staff does not or
will not keep up with changes in technology.
The author seems to feel that the above circumstances
are true of law libraries everywhere. I, personally, would
argue that the author lacks the necessary leadership,
managerial and motivational skills necessary to the effective
performance of his/her duties.
With full knowledge of the accountability entailed, I sign
my name.
Lydia E. Wilson
Tax Librarian
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
Tel:(212)373-2456
Fax:(212)373-2221
E-Mail: BM.PWW@RLG.STANFORD.EDU
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