Date:23 February 2001

Subject:Professional Responsibilities

To: Department Heads

From:William C. Robinson, Head of Libraries

I have recently heard complaints from some Hurstbourne librarians that they are being asked to work more than 40 hours per week, including some additional hours in the evening and on the weekend.

Hurstbourne University expects professionals to do what is needed without watching the clock. Professionals in any field are expected to work more than 40 hours per week regardless of your personal situation.

Let me quote from a recent librefed post by Dan Lester. " All of the conversation here has shown that there is a wide variation in expectations of librarians, and in expectations by librarians. As noted, it will depend on the individual supervisor, the type of library, and whether or not the library position in quest is 'exempt' (i.e. professional, not meaning MLS or not) or 'non-exempt' (0ften meaning classified in a city or state system). Those who are exempt are exempt from being paid overtime. Those who are non-exempt must be paid overtime. It doesn't always depend on whether one has the sacred MLS or not. In addition, there are places where non-exempt librarians are expected to work extra hours but to not put in for overtime, as it won't be approved anyway.

So what does this mean? If you don't like the working conditions, get another job. There are always jobs available, even if not the jobs that you might ideally choose. Checked out the signs in fast food places? Considered being a farm worker who doesn't get minimum wage in many states? Checked out the day-labor places? No matter how bad you think your conditions of employment are, they're really not. By working in a library and being on this list you're already in the middle class or higher, and have an easy life in comparison to a vast number in this country, to say nothing of the rest of the world."

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