When I first heard the proposed name change, from SCILS to SCI, I thought what a horrible idea. As I've thought more and more about it, I still can't get on board with the name change. Although I agree that information specialist can accurately reflect the job of a librarian, I would still prefer to be called librarian. I think libraries are more than just places of information, there a place for community gathering, for learning, and for sharing. Since I've started the MLIS program I can't tell you how many people have said, "why do you need a masters for that?" or "anyone can do that job". Several times I felt that people don't understand the value of libraries or librarians, they don't understand that being a librarian involves more than checking out books. In many ways I feel the name change further devalues the role of a librarian. The name SCILS has worked for quite a long time, and as the saying goes if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
When the name change first came about we discussed in my management class and I must say all of the students in class opposed the name change.
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"In many ways I feel the name change further devalues the role of a librarian."
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be one of the most important concerns for several students in the program. I myself like the term information professional and do not know if I indeed will immediately seek employment as a librarian upon completion of the program, however I do agree with you that the general public has an inaccurate view of what a librarian does and it is important to promote our profession.