Librarian X Rant

The identity of this Modified Librarian has been withheld as per request.

I was so glad to get your e-mail about librarians with attitude. I thought I was alone on that score !

I am a Librarian for a local authority in an rural area in the north of England, and since I moved here from a large city 18 months ago, I have certainly felt like an outcast.

For a start, people here have a problem with a librarian who doesn't fit their stereotypical librarian image. The first point against me is being too young (25?) Secondly, nose studs and multiple earpiercings do NOT go down well. Tattoos and body piercings are another big no-no.

And to cap it all, failure to wear a navy skirt, a 'nice' cream blouse and little court shoes has sealed my fate!

I am good at my job, and have doubled my income in the last 18 months. I have recently given a conference paper at the national health information conference, and have written two journal articles for international library journals. I have also been asked by a university to act as a guest speaker for a professional development course for my peers.

 On the whole, I don't think I am doing too badly. But as far as my colleagues here are concerned, I could be an admin assistant !!!! I have developed a sense of humour about it now, but it is infuriating and has worn me down. Previously I have worked as an bookseller (no problems there). When I worked at a large academic library, of the five counter staff, only two did NOT have nose studs ??? No problems there, you were judged on ability not appearance (rather a radical concept, I fear) I am now moving on to another academic job in a research unit - I am holding my breath for the reaction there, but hope to be judged on competency not jewellery !

Now that my rant is exhausted, I suppose I should say what I have had done & where. Firstly, Nose stud, I had this done at uni over five years ago. I have stopped being aware of it (although I would rather go without make-up than without my stud). However, since my stint in the sticks, I am repeatedly asked (often by the same person on a weekly basis), "did it hurt when you got your nose-earring ?"

I also have multiple ear piercings (six in R-ear, 2+barbell in L-ear) I am frequently asked if I am afraid to go out in lightening with "all that metal in my ears" - grreat. I have my navel pierced (but no-one sees that at work !) I have a floral armband tattoo on my upper arm, and make a point of keeping that covered at work.

I have recently had a dragon tattooed on my ankle, which seems pop out of trousers etc. at the least opportune moment ! The story behind that is that my partner & I had tattoos to celebrate buying our first house together.

On the whole, the people that matter do not have a problem. And the people that it really bothers, would get upset about my hair/ handwriting/ etc etc, if they didn't have piercings/tattoos to get their backs up.

I make a point of NOT taking rings out for interviews (I refuse to deceive people. I need to accept myself before I can expect anyone else too), but I do cover my tattoos - to me they are part of who I am out of work, and it's no-ones business but my own. If I didn't have tattoos, I still wouldn't be flashing flesh.

I don't think I have ever missed out on a job cos of my appearance, I make a point of dressing smartly for work. I can do my job well, and I think I convey that in interview (I hope).

Regarding the reaction of customers to my appearance, I think my age has been the biggest barrier to being taken seriously as a librarian. The students at the academic library I worked at thought I was on a student-placement but on the whole found me more approachable, and my current customers (family physicians) find it either charming or disconcerting when I give them internet training!

I am currently studying for my Masters in Health Information Management at Sheffield University, whilst working full-time. I am about to move to my second professional post, even though I have not technically qualified yet.  

I will send you hardcopy pics of various bits & pieces when I get my film developed, and am DELIGHTED I am not alone !

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