It is freedom of intellect and speech in "theory", as I believe the practicality is something else. The professional way would have been for you to state your concerns professionally. Once you know how to do this, it will be better received by others in our profession. I don't find it funny to execute name-calling and I don't feel that anyone needs to indicate that they are in a one person library to borrow an ILL. How about reading the guidelines for this list? That might help you. As far as a helping profession, we have to look at ourselves first before making comments that might offend others. Again, the more experienced people in our profession can help. You should try turning to them rather than offending them, and watch your choice of words. This is the way our society is today.
Jeff Spinks, BA, MA
Medical Librarian
St. Alexius Hospital/Lutheran School of Nursing
Phone: 314-577-5864
Fax: 314-268-6160
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Medical Libraries Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Mershon, Mark A.
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 3:04 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Medlib policy on ILL requests
I wasn't sure how my post of today on the list-serve Ill issue would be
received, but after a day of fielding many helpful, and some very angry
responses. I realized that I had not approached the subject in the
proper way. I actually thought (wrongly) that I was being funny by using
the reference to Craig's List, and being "lazy" or "begging" for free
Ill. If I offended anyone, then I am sorry. I simply wanted to try and
see what this list is for: is it a place to discuss issues of the day,
and problems in our profession, or is it a place to do
inter-library-loan? Guess what happened? There was a very lively debate
about the issue and many people chimed in with opinions---just what I
hoped this list would be like. This afternoon there was a lot of great
information and discussion about OVID and EBSCO interfaces, again, a
helpful and informative debate about an important issue.
I know there are many small libraries with 1 staff member and no
budget. Perhaps that information could be shared with a request. Or you
have had a tragedy like Katrina; I would do all that I can to assist
those libraries and staffs.
Several of you stated that if I did not like the list, I should quit,
and several more warned me that I might need them someday, so I better
watch what I say. How does this advice fit into our helping profession?
The last time I checked this is still a free country, and a vigorous
exchange of opinions and ideas is what makes us free. I wanted a
discussion and I got one. Thank you all, this list can work, and can be
of assistance. Hooray for Medical Libraries.
Thank you all, even the ones that scolded me. I relish the discussion.
Thank you all,
Mark Alan Mershon
Medical Librarian
Arneson Methodist Library
952-993-7079
fax:952-993-1322
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