Library Masters degrees are no more complex or challenging than basic undergraduate majors. The basic library degree SHOULD be an undergraduate major, in fact, with the Masters programs devoted to more difficult fields of specialization (management, IT, etc.).

- Jesse

And no the Emerging Leaders program, while a step in the right direction, is certainly no panacea. At best it’s one small, imperfect part of a solution to a large and complex problem.

For my part, I’m investing my time and energy to make it a little less imperfect. A frustrating endeavor more often than not, but no one said change was going to be easy.

I know I’m preaching to the choir (mostly) but people, this change thing, this transformational thing, this revolution thing… it’s a slog, not a skip through the daisies. It’s a marathon, not a leisurely stroll. And if you don’t have the energy for it, no harm no foul. Go, and peace be with you. But if you want to make a difference, roll up your sleeves and put on your dancin’ shoes. Just understand, this ain’t a waltz, it’s a mosh pit.

I think library students need to take more initiative in planning for their future. When I was getting my MLS, the school required at least six units outside of the school, it didn’t matter where. I worked towards a certificate in Public Administration from another college that worked perfectly for my future plans.

Maybe that should be a requirement, or maybe students need to think about taking classes that directly affect their future. (Admin-take those classes, tech-take those classes, library school isn’t equipped to offer that or offer it well, there are many schools in a college that can, weave it all together).

Libraries in general are more of a confederation when it comes to leadership. In smaller circles, there are leaders, but nothing nationally (with some exception, Nancy Pearl is known outside of the profession, for example, and that may be more what you are getting at in regards to leadership). Much of the leadership preparation from ALA is through LLAMA or more academic circles in my opinion. There are great leadership programs being offered, I am not sure about their impact.

http://blog.libraryjournal.com/tennantdigitallibraries/2011/02/22/an-open-letter-to-long-time-librarians/

I also think we need to get away from the young and old debate, its exhausting and I’m over it. Its about institutionalization. Some folks are institutionalized after a week, some after 25 years, some fight the system the whole time. I think people are frustrated with institutionalization of librarianship and its really a battle between folks who want change to the system and folks who want a paycheck.

Now it may or may not be successful at that, but I really don’t care too much, since I don’t have anything invested in ALA. But I think it’s a mistake to look to Emerging Leaders as a source of leadership in the profession, as opposed to the Association.