Lately, I feel something is missing. Kindness. I’m not talking about in politics or in the congested MBTA cars in Boston, I’m talking about here, in library world. Sometimes, it seems the things we type in emails, comments sections, and on social media are things that we would not say to someone to their face.
What I love most about our field- actually about people in general- is that everyone is different. Each person has had their own life experiences which shapes them into the person they are; thus shaping how they interact with the world and the people in it. Everyone has something to bring the table. We are all so unique but each have the common goal of serving our patrons.
That being said, it seems we tend to forget that when we respond to an email on a listserv or blog post we disagree with. It seems we are reacting to one another, rather than responding.
So, before you shoot off that next email or push submit for that comment, pause and take a moment to reread it. How would you feel if that comment was directed at you? Would you speak those same words to the person if they were in front of you? If not, it may be time to edit your post.
This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competency: VII. Professionalism and
Professional Development.
Nadine Poper
Nice reminder Alyson. I love your phrase “…reacting rather than responding.”
Alyson Feldman-Piltch
Thank you, Nadine. It’s a phrase my dad has repeated to me often.
Mary Voors
Oh, Alyson, I can’t tell you how much I love this post! I think it is something we all need to be reminded of at times. (And I would very happily say this to you in person!)
Alyson Feldman-Piltch
Thanks, Mary 🙂 it seems very timely!
Don Reynolds
A good quote worth repeating for any age from Abraham Joshua Heschel :
“When I was young, I admired clever people.
Now that I am old, I admire kind people.”
Alyson Feldman-Piltch
Don, it was actually this quote that I believe you shared in a glbtrt email that further inspired me to write this post! So, thank you