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List: publib
Subject: Re: [Publib] FWD: [alacoun] President Roberta Stevens' response to
From: James Casey <jcasey () olpl ! org>
Date: 2010-09-30 17:27:34
Message-ID: A92F93E9F077624BA8BA41B790692CCD01094A30DF1F () EXCH1 ! olpl ! local
[Download RAW message or body]
It isn't only the obvious ethical issues surrounding Enron and BP that shou=
ld give us pause when it comes to assessing private sector practices. In =
general, the world of "for profit" endeavor in the United States has carrie=
d with it a vastly disproportionate system of rewards and benefits for the =
top management versus the line workers.
It is not unusual to hear about top management in larger and even medium si=
zed businesses earning as much as 50 times what the lowest paid full time e=
mployee makes. Salaries and bonuses in the millions and tens of millions o=
f dollars per year are not uncommon. Such an environment is foreign to t=
he public sector where even the President of the United States earns a comp=
aratively paltry $400,000 per year and his top aides clear $172,000. A s=
chool superintendent might earn $200,000 per year while the average teacher=
is at $75,000, and a public library director earning $65,000 per year migh=
t have low paid ft staff earning $25,000 per year. Salaries generally te=
nd to be more commensurate with the levels of responsibility and qualificat=
ions in the public sector than in many areas of the private sector where th=
e profit motive may carry with it a fair measure of greed that does not nec=
essarily inspire or relate to improved service to the consumer.
I have the utmost respect for business persons and the risks they must take=
in order to earn a profit. However, those in the business world who would=
suggest that the public sector (particularly public libraries) are populat=
ed with lazy and unfairly compensated workers may be pitching their rocks w=
hile living in a rather gigantic glass house.
James B. Casey --- My own views
From: publib-bounces@webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org=
] On Behalf Of Minobe, Susan
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 11:02 AM
To: 'rballiot@oceanstatelibrarian.com'; Darrell.Cook@cor.gov; diedre08@gmai=
l.com
Cc: publib-bounces@webjunction.org; publib@webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] FWD: [alacoun] President Roberta Stevens' response to=
the New York Times story on outsourcing
This is the part that utterly galls me & renders me inarticulate:
"A lot of libraries are atrocious," Mr. Pezzanite said. "Their policies are=
all about job security. That's why the profession is nervous about us. You=
can go to a library for 35 years and never have to do anything and then ha=
ve your retirement. We're not running our company that way. You come to us,=
you're going to have to work."
All I could think of was, "Yes, & we judge all *private* companies ethics &=
practices by the behavior of, say, Enron & BP, right?"
That was an extremely low, ugly, self-serving attack & I consider it an ass=
ault on our profession that calls out -- even *requires* -- a return-salvo.
Thank you Robert, Margaret & James, for your eloquent responses! Please =
consider submitting them to the NY Times or Huffington Post or other, wider=
forum...
-SLM-
PS: BTW, were the librarians in Connecticut -- who were subject to the Pat=
riot Act gag order -- in an LSSI run system?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: publib-bounces@webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org=
] On Behalf Of James Casey
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:02 AM
To: 'Darrell.Cook@cor.gov'; diedre08@gmail.com
Cc: publib@webjunction.org; publib-bounces@webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] FWD: [alacoun] President Roberta Stevens' response to=
the New York Times story on outsourcing
Probably most public library administrators have had to outsource various j=
obs ranging from cataloging and delivery services to cleaning and security.=
It is where the entire management structure is outsourced to a company s=
uch as LSSI by Village, City, County, officials that many of us become conc=
erned. Library management should be accountable directly to those public o=
fficials who serve at the behest of the taxpaying public for services rende=
red. If a for-profit business is interposed between the Library Managemen=
t team and the elected public officials, another set of criteria for succes=
s can replace service to the public. The "bottom line" of corporate profi=
t should not replace that of patron satisfaction. The satisfied patron le=
aving the library and determined to come back and use it again is the epito=
me of success and "bottom line" for which we should all strive.
My experience over some 37 years in public libraries have convinced me that=
there are very few, if any, publicly funded entities that operate as fruga=
lly and cost effectively as do public libraries. Nevertheless, if we ever=
reache the stage where dollar signs represent the "bottom line" of what we=
are about as institutions, our effectiveness may diminish very quickly.
James B. Casey --- My own views
Director, Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member (1996-2010)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: publib-bounces@webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org=
] On Behalf Of Margaret Noel
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 7:53 PM
To: publib@webjunction.org
"We should praise all successes and condemn all failures. The results. Not =
the means by which the results are achieved."
Yes, this is true and few are disagreeing with that I hope, Its also true t=
hat we should be posturing now since it was clear that Frank Pezzanite was =
image busting in order to take advantage of an adverse economy and providin=
g an easy outlet by telling many naive and agenda-oriented people just what=
they crave to hear publicly now. Mr. Pezzanite went after our overall lib=
rary necessity image, which is weak right now, instead of conducting his bu=
siness as an alternative to those communities with a lack of affordability =
otherwise. It was a very low blow and deliberate insult when we are alread=
y much too vulnerable. I don't see any reason why LSSI can manage cheaper =
with more integrity and responsiveness than any library can operate indepen=
dently but the fact remains that if he is going to attempt to prosper his o=
wn business with unethical business tactics, it would not behoove us to sit=
quietly by and pretend he's simply conducting his business in a manner tha=
t befits his model if that is what you suggest.
The point is that we as a whole were targeted maliciously in that article. =
Let's not forget that because discussions of whether we are all credible a=
gainst some anomalous situations where finding outsourcing could be viewed =
as necessary are simply irrelevant in this case. If you cannot agree that =
many of us are supremely dedicated and should not be publicly maligned base=
d on the behavior of a few, that is a more serious problem.
Roberta issued a public statement that reflected fact! Your opinion sugges=
ts that saying nothing in response was a more charismatic public relations =
move than issuing relevant true statements that are not based in fear monge=
ring and opportunism. We've been saying nothing and look how vulnerable we=
are now as an essential education institution! Budgets need cutting and w=
e are almost always the first to be slighted at any and every level.
And show me a library that can be run better with outsourced staff and I wi=
ll show you a library that has never seen proper professional staff to begi=
n with and/or needs more commitment from the community for funding/educatio=
n. Poor management doesn't really justify finding other kinds of managemen=
t that may be only slightly better. How is a community supposed to apprecia=
te what they don't have if they never gain the opportunity to see the most =
positive picture of what dedicated highly educated service looks like with =
proper education and actualized recognition of unique community need?
I see nothing wrong with the statement ALA issued. It is factual and strai=
ght-forward and reveals the true reason why we discourage outsourcing, whic=
h is lack of integrity. No, I do not believe that he can truly "demonize t=
he public sector". Still, the fact is many people are going to want to bel=
ieve in the easy thing which is now someone who has business opportunity on=
his agenda because it is realistic and business is ethical. The extreme al=
truism that this profession is rooted it, incites skepticism about ulterior=
motives from many people in all times and more so in difficult times.
After all, while we may not be truly demonized, are most people wholehearte=
dly going to believe that we as employees, "who are often paid salaries far=
below the demands placed on them and the education required" aren't findin=
g some kind of hidden gold in our pockets that others aren't aware of? Altr=
uism in a weak economy is examined very closely. People are far more skept=
ical of those who want to give and help. We do well to hope they really co=
mprehend we receive extreme and gratification from the nature of our more i=
ntellectual endeavors. Now is not an ideal time for quiet dignity as you b=
oldly suggest. We are being threatened!
M. Louanne Cook-Noel, MLIS Librarian Reference Dept.
mnoel@las-cruces.org
Thomas Branigan Library
200 E. Picacho St. Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 528-4049 Office
(575) 528-4005 Reference Desk
Reference Questions: braniganreference@gmail.com <mailto:braniganreference@=
gmail.com>
<http://www.las-cruces.org/>
<http://www.las-cruces.org/>
-------------------------------------------------------------------
From: publib-bounces@webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org=
] On Behalf Of Robert L. Balliot
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 5:26 PM
To: Darrell.Cook@cor.gov; diedre08@gmail.com
Cc: publib@webjunction.org; publib-bounces@webjunction.org
I can think of many product brands that I was truly 'satisfied' with over t=
he years. Eventually, almost every exceptional product was purchased by
another company that uses that 'satisfaction' and labeling to create a broa=
der based profit. Instead of creating ice cream with pride, they create
ice cream and elevators and pulp and toner. They start putting in cheap add=
itives. They cut down the size of the portions. They make it on par with
what people are merely satisfied with - but out of habit and loyalty people=
still pay a premium for the brand.
As a professional librarian, I always thought we provided intelligence and =
opportunities to communities. I see the Pezzanite scheme as another way to
use the brand that public libraries have built as a way to create profits b=
ut putting in cheap additives and fillers. I conjecture that there is not
a single Pezzanite system that a dedicated professional librarian could not=
improve by merely following the library code of ethics and managerial ethi=
cs
- without adding a bit of high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils.
*************************************************
Robert L. Balliot
Skype: RBalliot
Bristol, Rhode Island
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
*************************************************
________________________________________
From: publib-bounces@webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org=
]
On Behalf Of Darrell.Cook@cor.gov
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 6:46 PM
To: diedre08@gmail.com
Cc: publib-bounces@webjunction.org; publib@webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] FWD: [alacoun] President Roberta Stevens' response to=
the New York Times story on outsourcing
Personally, as a professional librarian, I am quite pleased when library us=
ers are satisfied with their library service, whether privately or publical=
ly managed. It's all about the patrons. Private management is probably best=
for some libraries. But not all. Public management is best for some librar=
ies. But not all.
Apparently, some communities served by LSSI are very satisfied with their p=
rivatized model. When we, as a group, jump on some bandwagon and condemn
outright privatization as "wrong for all," I feel like we're just giving cr=
edibility to Pezzanite's claim that we're solely interested in our job secu=
rity; that we do, in fact, feel threatened.
We should praise all successes and condemn all failures. The results. Not t=
he means by which the results are achieved.
DARRELL COOK, Librarian II
Circulation Supervisor
Richardson (TX) Public Library
972.744.4362 * darrell.cook@cor.gov
http://www.dacworld.com/library/
**The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not (necessarily) ref=
lect the views of my beloved employer or esteemed colleagues.**
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "diedre08@gmail.com" <diedre08@gmail.com>
To: <publib@webjunction.org>
Date: 09/29/2010 10:49 AM
Subject: [Publib] FWD: [alacoun] President Roberta Stevens' response to the
New York Times story on outsourcing
Sent by: publib-bounces@webjunction.org
________________________________________
FYI
----------
Sent from the Verizon network using Mobile Email
------Original Message------
From: Keith Michael Fiels <kfiels@ala.org>
To: <alacoun@ala.org>
Date: Wed, Sep 29, 10:39 AM -0400
Subject: [alacoun] President Roberta Stevens' response to the New York Time=
s
story on outsourcing
Here is the letter from ALA President Roberta Stevens to the New York Times=
in response to comments made by Mr. Pezzanite in a recent article
on outsourcing library services in Santa Clara, California:
Dear Editor,
The American Library Association opposes shifting policy making and managem=
ent oversight of library services from the public to the private sector, no=
t because of its impact on job security, as implied in the article entitled=
"Anger as a Private Company Takes Over Libraries," but rather because comm=
unities may lose access to trained information professionals - librarians.
I take issue with the statements made by L.S.S.I. CEO Frank Pezzanite. Im=
plying that library staffs are just waiting around to cash in on retirement=
, when in fact there are thousands of librarians serving 1.5 billion visito=
rs annually with dedication, assumes that people will fall for the "demoniz=
ation" of the public sector.
Libraries and their employees, who are often paid salaries far below the de=
mands placed on them and the education required for their positions, serve =
as a lifeline for millions of Americans. From free access to books and onli=
ne resources to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship=
and retraining, libraries with top-notch staff are needed now more than ev=
er in our increasingly competitive global economy.
Publicly funded libraries should remain directly accountable to the publics=
they serve.
Roberta Stevens
President, American Library Association
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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>It isn’t only the obvious
ethical issues surrounding Enron and BP that should give us pause when it comes
to assessing private sector practices. In general, the world of \
“for profit” endeavor in the United States has carried with it a vastly \
disproportionate system of rewards and benefits for the top management versus the \
line workers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>It is not unusual to hear about
top management in larger and even medium sized businesses earning as much as 50
times what the lowest paid full time employee makes. Salaries and bonuses
in the millions and tens of millions of dollars per year are not
uncommon. Such an environment is foreign to the public sector
where even the President of the United States earns a comparatively paltry $400,000
per year and his top aides clear $172,000. A school superintendent
might earn $200,000 per year while the average teacher is at $75,000, and a
public library director earning $65,000 per year might have low paid ft staff
earning $25,000 per year. Salaries generally tend to be more
commensurate with the levels of responsibility and qualifications in the public
sector than in many areas of the private sector where the profit motive may
carry with it a fair measure of greed that does not necessarily inspire or
relate to improved service to the consumer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>I have the utmost respect for
business persons and the risks they must take in order to earn a profit.
However, those in the business world who would suggest that the public sector
(particularly public libraries) are populated with lazy and unfairly
compensated workers may be pitching their rocks while living in a rather
gigantic glass house.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>James B. Casey --- My own \
views<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div>
<div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span \
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span \
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> \
publib-bounces@webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org] <b>On Behalf \
Of </b>Minobe, Susan<br> <b>Sent:</b> Thursday, September 30, 2010 11:02 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> 'rballiot@oceanstatelibrarian.com'; Darrell.Cook@cor.gov;
diedre08@gmail.com<br>
<b>Cc:</b> publib-bounces@webjunction.org; publib@webjunction.org<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Publib] FWD: [alacoun] President Roberta Stevens' response
to the New York Times story on outsourcing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>This is the part that utterly galls me & renders me
inarticulate:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'>“A lot of libraries are \
atrocious,” Mr. Pezzanite said. “Their policies are all about job \
security. That’s why the profession is nervous about us. You can go to a \
library for 35 years and never have to do anything and then have your retirement.
We’re not running our company that way. You come to us, you’re
going to have to work.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>All I could think of was, “Yes, & we judge all
*<b>private</b>* companies ethics & practices by the behavior of, say,
Enron & BP, right?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>That was an extremely low, ugly, self-serving attack
& I consider it an assault on our profession that calls out -- even \
*<b>requires</b>*
-- a return-salvo. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Thank you Robert, Margaret & James, for your eloquent
responses! Please consider submitting them to the NY Times or
Huffington Post or other, wider forum… <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>-SLM-<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>PS: BTW, were the librarians in Connecticut -- who
were subject to the Patriot Act gag order -- in an LSSI run system? \
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>-----------------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>From: publib-bounces@webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org] On Behalf Of James Casey<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:02 AM<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>To: 'Darrell.Cook@cor.gov'; diedre08@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Cc: publib@webjunction.org;
publib-bounces@webjunction.org<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Subject: Re: [Publib] FWD: [alacoun] President Roberta
Stevens' response to the New York Times story on outsourcing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Probably most public library administrators have had to
outsource various jobs ranging from cataloging and delivery services to
cleaning and security. It is where the entire management structure
is outsourced to a company such as LSSI by Village, City, County, officials
that many of us become concerned. Library management should be
accountable directly to those public officials who serve at the behest of the
taxpaying public for services rendered. If a for-profit business is
interposed between the Library Management team and the elected public
officials, another set of criteria for success can replace service to the
public. The “bottom line” of corporate profit should
not replace that of patron satisfaction. The satisfied patron
leaving the library and determined to come back and use it again is the epitome
of success and “bottom line” for which we should all \
strive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>My experience over some 37 years in public libraries have
convinced me that there are very few, if any, publicly funded entities that
operate as frugally and cost effectively as do public libraries.
Nevertheless, if we ever reache the stage where dollar signs represent the
“bottom line” of what we are about as institutions, our effectiveness
may diminish very quickly. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>James B. Casey --- My own views<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Director, Oak Lawn Public Library<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>ALA Council Member (1996-2010)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>----------------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>From: publib-bounces@webjunction.org \
[mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Margaret Noel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 7:53 PM<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>To: publib@webjunction.org<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>"We should praise all successes and condemn all
failures. The results. Not the means by which the results are \
achieved."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Yes, this is true and few are disagreeing with that I
hope, Its also true that we should be posturing now since it was clear that
Frank Pezzanite was image busting in order to take advantage of an adverse
economy and providing an easy outlet by telling many naive and agenda-oriented
people just what they crave to hear publicly now. Mr. Pezzanite went
after our overall library necessity image, which is weak right now, instead of
conducting his business as an alternative to those communities with a lack of
affordability otherwise. It was a very low blow and deliberate insult
when we are already much too vulnerable. I don't see any reason why LSSI
can manage cheaper with more integrity and responsiveness than any library can
operate independently but the fact remains that if he is going to attempt to
prosper his own business with unethical business tactics, it would not behoove
us to sit quietly by and pretend he's simply conducting his business in a
manner that befits his model if that is what you suggest. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>The point is that we as a whole were targeted maliciously
in that article. Let's not forget that because discussions of whether we
are all credible against some anomalous situations where finding outsourcing
could be viewed as necessary are simply irrelevant in this case. If you
cannot agree that many of us are supremely dedicated and should not be publicly
maligned based on the behavior of a few, that is a more serious \
problem.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Roberta issued a public statement that reflected
fact! Your opinion suggests that saying nothing in response was a more
charismatic public relations move than issuing relevant true statements that
are not based in fear mongering and opportunism. We've been saying
nothing and look how vulnerable we are now as an essential education
institution! Budgets need cutting and we are almost always the first to
be slighted at any and every level. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>And show me a library that can be run better with
outsourced staff and I will show you a library that has never seen proper
professional staff to begin with and/or needs more commitment from the
community for funding/education. Poor management doesn't really justify
finding other kinds of management that may be only slightly better. How is a
community supposed to appreciate what they don't have if they never gain the
opportunity to see the most positive picture of what dedicated highly educated
service looks like with proper education and actualized recognition of unique
community need?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>I see nothing wrong with the statement ALA issued.
It is factual and straight-forward and reveals the true reason why we
discourage outsourcing, which is lack of integrity. No, I do not believe
that he can truly "demonize the public sector". Still, the fact
is many people are going to want to believe in the easy thing which is now
someone who has business opportunity on his agenda because it is realistic and
business is ethical. The extreme altruism that this profession is rooted it,
incites skepticism about ulterior motives from many people in all times and
more so in difficult times. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>After all, while we may not be truly demonized, are most
people wholeheartedly going to believe that we as employees, "who are
often paid salaries far below the demands placed on them and the education
required" aren't finding some kind of hidden gold in our pockets that
others aren't aware of? Altruism in a weak economy is examined very
closely. People are far more skeptical of those who want to give and
help. We do well to hope they really comprehend we receive extreme and
gratification from the nature of our more intellectual endeavors. Now is
not an ideal time for quiet dignity as you boldly suggest. We are being
threatened! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>M. Louanne Cook-Noel, MLIS Librarian Reference Dept. \
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>mnoel@las-cruces.org<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Thomas Branigan Library <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>200 E. Picacho St. Las Cruces, NM 88001 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>(575) 528-4049 Office <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>(575) 528-4005 Reference Desk<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Reference Questions: braniganreference@gmail.com
<mailto:braniganreference@gmail.com> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><http://www.las-cruces.org/> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <http://www.las-cruces.org/> \
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText \
style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>-------------------------------------------------------------------<br>
From: publib-bounces@webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org] On
Behalf Of Robert L. Balliot<br>
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 5:26 PM<br>
To: Darrell.Cook@cor.gov; diedre08@gmail.com<br>
Cc: publib@webjunction.org; publib-bounces@webjunction.org<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>I can think of many product brands that I was truly
'satisfied' with over the years. Eventually, almost every exceptional product
was purchased by<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>another company that uses that 'satisfaction' and
labeling to create a broader based profit. Instead of creating ice cream with
pride, they create<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>ice cream and elevators and pulp and toner. They start
putting in cheap additives. They cut down the size of the portions. They make
it on par with<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>what people are merely satisfied with - but out of habit
and loyalty people still pay a premium for the brand. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>As a professional librarian, I always thought we provided
intelligence and opportunities to communities. I see the Pezzanite scheme
as another way to<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>use the brand that public libraries have built as a way
to create profits but putting in cheap additives and fillers. I
conjecture that there is not<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>a single Pezzanite system that a dedicated professional
librarian could not improve by merely following the library code of ethics and
managerial ethics<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>- without adding a bit of high fructose corn syrup or
hydrogenated oils.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>*************************************************<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Robert L. Balliot<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Skype: RBalliot<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Bristol, Rhode Island<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>*************************************************<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>From: publib-bounces@webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces@webjunction.org]<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>On Behalf Of Darrell.Cook@cor.gov<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 6:46 PM<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>To: diedre08@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Cc: publib-bounces@webjunction.org;
publib@webjunction.org<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Subject: Re: [Publib] FWD: [alacoun] President Roberta
Stevens' response to the New York Times story on outsourcing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Personally, as a professional librarian, I am quite
pleased when library users are satisfied with their library service, whether
privately or publically managed. It's all about the patrons. Private management
is probably best for some libraries. But not all. Public management is best for
some libraries. But not all. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Apparently, some communities served by LSSI are very
satisfied with their privatized model. When we, as a group, jump on some
bandwagon and condemn<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>outright privatization as "wrong for all," I
feel like we're just giving credibility to Pezzanite's claim that we're solely
interested in our job security; that we do, in fact, feel threatened. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>We should praise all successes and condemn all failures.
The results. Not the means by which the results are achieved.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>DARRELL COOK, Librarian II<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Circulation Supervisor <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Richardson (TX) Public Library <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>972.744.4362 • darrell.cook@cor.gov <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>http://www.dacworld.com/library/ <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>**The views expressed here are strictly my own and do not
(necessarily) reflect the views of my beloved employer or esteemed
colleagues.**<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>------------------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>From: "diedre08@gmail.com"
<diedre08@gmail.com><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>To: <publib@webjunction.org><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Date: 09/29/2010 10:49 AM<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Subject: [Publib] FWD: [alacoun] President Roberta
Stevens' response to the<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>New York Times story on outsourcing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Sent by: publib-bounces@webjunction.org<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>FYI<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>----------<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Sent from the Verizon network using Mobile Email<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>------Original Message------<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>From: Keith Michael Fiels <kfiels@ala.org><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>To: <alacoun@ala.org><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Date: Wed, Sep 29, 10:39 AM -0400<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Subject: [alacoun] President Roberta Stevens' response to
the New York Times<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>story on outsourcing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Here is the letter from ALA President Roberta Stevens to
the New York Times in response to comments made by Mr. Pezzanite in a
recent article<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>on outsourcing library services in Santa Clara,
California:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Dear Editor, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>The American Library Association opposes shifting policy
making and management oversight of library services from the public to the
private sector, not because of its impact on job security, as implied in the
article entitled "Anger as a Private Company Takes Over Libraries,"
but rather because communities may lose access to trained information
professionals - librarians. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>I take issue with the statements made by L.S.S.I. CEO
Frank Pezzanite. Implying that library staffs are just waiting
around to cash in on retirement, when in fact there are thousands of librarians
serving 1.5 billion visitors annually with dedication, assumes that people will
fall for the "demonization" of the public sector. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Libraries and their employees, who are often paid
salaries far below the demands placed on them and the education required for
their positions, serve as a lifeline for millions of Americans. From free
access to books and online resources to library business centers that help
support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries with top-notch staff are
needed now more than ever in our increasingly competitive global economy. \
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Publicly funded libraries should remain directly
accountable to the publics they serve.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Roberta Stevens <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>President, American Library Association <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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