[Genealib] Fwd: [Publib] Genealogy--Outside employment

[Kenneth Aitken]

I have followed this with interest.

I do not think it is unethical for genealogy librarian working on her own
time to take on clients either as a consultant or as a reseacher.

I do find it unethical that such a librarian would solicit work, or
recommend themselves to library clients.

When I worked 22 years as a genealogy librarian I did not appear on the list
of potential researchers my library shared with clients.  And thousands of
dollars worth of business were passed on to my delighted colleagues who were
professional genealogists. I think I got a bowl of french onion soup as a
thank you from one of them. My own clients came from my own advertising and
promotion.

As for the training issue, most practicing genealogy librarians with and MLS
ior MLIS paid for their own professional training. And inservice training in
genealogy reference and collection development is largely self directed
experiential or partially paid for by the librarian.

All this considered, it is definitely an issue for careful consideration.

When people who see you in the library working for your own client, ask for
help, I find it simple to direct them to the reference desk and explain that
I am working for a private client at the moment-- the same explanation our
business librarian uses. Of coure, we remove our library id tag!


Kenneth G. Aitken, MLS
Family History Education Services
Penticton, British Columbia, Canada

kgaitken at gmail.com

Check out my blog! www.genealogy-education.com
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