Library Web Chic

The Other Side of the Fence

I was reading about Meredith's recent job search disappointment at Information Wants to be Free this morning and wanted to say something about being on the other side
of the fence. I've seen four or more searches since starting at SUNY
Cortland. The ones that are the most heartbreaking (personally) are the
ones where there are two very good candidates both who could do the job
equally well. This may be some search committee's dream to have such a
pool, but I loathe it. It is even worse when both candidates have a
true love for librarianship. I hate having to be part of the evaluation
process in these circumstances (either on the giving comments end or
being on the search committee). I know someone who deserves a job isn't
going to get one and it bothers me immensely. Mostly because I want
people in the profession who are willing to move it forward. Not every
future or current librarian has this aspiration. Eventually I get over
it but often I can help wondering what happened to the other candidate
and hoping that they found the place they deserve in the profession as
well.