In my previous librarian life, I was a public librarian. I believed and still strongly believe in the free access to information, particularly government information. If this information is being generated in the public interest, in the service of the public, it should be made available to the public.
Not that I had any reason to go searching for this information when I was a public librarian, as most of the users were more interested in recreational reading material, or at least information on dinosaurs, the Olympics, rainforests and snow leopards (yep, the old school projects!).
When I started working in a special library, I remember discussing with my then boss the exclusive nature of people I was serving. She advised me to think of it as more of a boutique service, rather than an exclusive service. To some extent, I am fine with this. The types of requests I get are interesting and useful. We also receive some requests for information from members of the public, via phone or email. These I am quite happy to help, and the public are for the most part, appreciative.
Recently we undertook an inquiry for a journalist who requested information from our catalogue, which is only accessible behind our firewall. Now the upper echelons of management are in a bit of a lather because a) the person was granted access according to our policy and b) the results of this research were splashed over the press.
I would hate for us to further restrict public access to our information on the basis that it could be used against our clientele. For me, as a public servant, am I serving my masters (my employers), or the public, who benefit from my master’s decisions?
There are times when I feel caged by my place of work. In the deepest recesses of my heart, I want to roam free.
Interesting question that you’ve asked there, about the nature of being in public service. I was thinking about writing a blog post on that topic – in fact, I might go and do that now
Glad to be some inspiration at the end of the month!
as my blog name suggests I do work as a public library librarian, I too believe strongly in the philosophy of free access to information in all formats e.g. govt info via the internet–sadly from aug 1st 2010 mpow will be charging for access to the internet..Ah the question who do we serve our customers or our bosses…I believe our customers come first, our customers are the reason we have a job imho:)