Men in Libraries

During the interview: Wow, you’re a musician? That’s great. The kids will love it!

During a performance review: “Employee’s musical ability intimidates their coworkers.”

Employee who isn’t married but has cats and friends and, indeed, a FAMILY: Why do I work two night shifts and everyone else in the department only works one?

Manager: Well, you don’t have a family to get home to at night.

Employee: I think we should craft an intergovernmental agreement so we can give library cards to the teachers in our community so they can access our databases.

Deputy director: That’s illegal.

Employee: No…our regional library system literally has tons of examples of this and will help us to do it.

Deputy director: No, it’s illegal.

Employee: Now that I am in a completely new department, I’m not really sure how my work fits in with what everyone else is doing. I’d like to understand the bigger picture better. Can you help me with this?

Recently promoted manager who was the only white man in the department that got dismantled to create the new one: “Your job hasn’t changed, so don’t worry about it.”

Employee: I’m really proud of how I got several managers in the library to participate in this event that they’ve never participated in before. I had to: explain the program to them, make sure they had their materials and their schedule, communicate with the other community partner, and follow up with every one involved to get their feedback and make sure they felt supported during the process, and make notes on how to improve the event in the future.

Recently promoted manager who was the only white man in the department that got dismantled to create the new one: “How was that a challenge? You just emailed some managers.”

Manager: “One thing to consider is that creative people will hear “no” more often.”

Employee: Ok.

Manager: Adapt this program for toddlers and preschoolers so that it fits all ages.

Employee: I can’t really do that. The needs of kids under three are very different than older kids. It wouldn’t be a good experience for anyone.

Manager: Just use your creativity and do it.