[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
"Underpaid . . . and not Well Understood"
Yesterday Don Dyal asked "If we are all introverts and get our energy from within rathern that from other people, then why is it that we are seeking stature and recognition from others?"
In a previous message I used the term "inordinately large percentacg." About 50% of archivists are introverts as opposed to only 25% of the general population are introverts.
It seems to me that there are two significant differences in how itroverts and extraverts approach recognition. Introverts are generally very good at some archival functions such as arranging and describing but not as good at approaching donors, enticing researchers to use their materials. and generally conducting traditional public relations activities. Yes, they do prepare exhibits and frequently do them very well, but one does not have to be deeply involved with other people to prepare an excellent exhibit.
Extraverts also prepare excellent exhibits but then they make great efforts to publicize those exhibits. Most introverts simply prepare their exhibits and then wonder why so few people come to see them.
Deep down, I know that introverts desire status and recognition as much as to extraverts. There is, I think, a huge difference between the two types in how they approach the matter. Introverts feel (or even know in their hearts) that they do important things and do them well (perhaps excellently in many cases). They feel that their co-workers and the public should recognize this and appreciate the good job, heap praise upon them, or even tive them awards. Extraverts, on the other hands are much more likely to call attention to them selves, promote themselves as well as their work, and actually seek out the praise, awards, and sometimes even rewards.
That 50% of archivists who are introverts need to take lessons from tho 50% who are extraverts in order to get the praise and awards. I know it is difficult to do, but it is also well worth the effort for the individuals and for the profession.
Charles R. Schultz, CA
Professor and Clements Archivist
Cushing Library
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-5000
c-schultz@tamu.edu
979-862-1555
FAX 979-845-1441
State-of-the-art automation will never beat the wastebasket
when it comes to speeding up efficiency in the office.
Ann Landers Gem of the Day, July 27, 1994
A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List!
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to listserv@listserv.muohio.edu
In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname
*or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES
To post a message, send e-mail to archives@listserv.muohio.edu
Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at
http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html
Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <rschmidt@lib.muohio.edu>