The Privatization of Public Libraries

I was going through my Google Reader feed recently when I came across this post about lazy librarians. The trend of privatizing formerly public libraries is disgusting and abhorrent to me. It seems completely counterintuitive to the concept of a free public library. I don't think I need to go into the details, but I did click through the post I linked to to this article in The New York Times:

Anger as a Private Company Takes Over Libraries, by David Streitfeld

The most disturbing quote (I think) appears in the mid-point of the article:

“A lot of libraries are atrocious,” Mr. Pezzanite said. “Their policies are all about job security. That’s why the profession is nervous about us. You can go to a library for 35 years and never have to do anything and then have your retirement. We’re not running our company that way. You come to us, you’re going to have to work.”

What, specifically, is so atrocious about libraries? That they are collectively the repository for social memory and identity? That they defend the right to free speech, and the right to privacy? That they ensure free and unfettered access to information - any and all information? You might want to qualify your remark, Mr. Pezzanite.

I don't appreciate his condescension to my profession. What qualifies him to make these remarks? What is his background? Is he a librarian? Let's take a look at his profile (click text for link to website)

In 1981, Frank and Judy Pezzanite founded Library Systems & Services, LLC to produce specialized computer applications for libraries and to provide library facilities management services.

Previously, while working at Informatics, Inc., Frank developed the MINI MARC minicomputer cataloging system and the BIBPRO IV bibliographic products software package. MINI MARC won the Information Industry Association's "Technology of the Year" award in 1980, when its 40 installations served more than 2,500 libraries in 23 states and Canada.

Frank is a member of the American Library Association, and has made numerous presentations on library automation and contracting.

Why is he even a member of ALA, since we librarians are all lazy and interested in doing as little as possible? Why associate yourself with such a group? It seems to me that he has never worked on the front lines at a public library, and thus has stereotyped all librarians based on some bad experience he has had at some point.

Ostensibly, he labors under an assumption that librarians just sit around and do nothing - avoiding work altogether. How would libraries function if this were true? If this is true why are we a part of a widely respected profession known for our activism, our work ethic, and our willingness to help those around us?

He's clearly never spent any real time with librarians, as reflected in the comment "You can go to a library for 35 years and never have to do anything and then have your retirement." Librarians work very hard, every day we come to work. We strive to help people in our role in an ethical and professional manner. We advocate for others, and we help form a literate, educated voting public.

I am proud to be a member of this active, hard-working, and ethical profession.

It's true, we have our problems as a profession - but so do physicians and lawyers. Please give us the respect we as librarians have earned over the last 500 years, and please respect the institutions we are charged with managing.

(Note: I apologize for my tone, but not for my message. Librarians work hard, and we are proud of what we do. Please don't demean us, and dismiss offhand an entire class of people simply because you have assumptions.)

(Puts soapbox away)