Date:23 February 2001

Subject:Professional- Staff Relationships

To: Department Heads

From:William C. Robinson, Head of Libraries

As you know, I have been speaking with and listening to members of the Hurstbourne University Libraries Staff Association. My primary concern was to learn more about working conditions and job satisfaction. As tasks formerly assigned to professionals are be ing assigned to para-professionals, the importance of their contribution has grown. In fact, it is clear that without our paraprofessional staff the Libraries would not be able to function.

It should not surprise you to learn that quite a few of our paraprofessionals are unhappy. They feel that their contributions are essential, but remain unrecognized. In addition, some feel that librarians look down on paraprofessionals and clericals an d do not treat them with respect. Some of these people have been at Hurstbourne Libraries for many years. They feel that they know more about the library and how to do things that some of our professionals (who get paid much more).

At our next staff meeting, I look forward to your concrete suggestions for steps to be taken to improve morale and reduce tensions between librarians and the non-professional staff. Every member of the Hurstbourne Libraries must feel that they are a va lued member of a successful team.

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