Comments on: Reflections on ageism

By: S.

S. — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:36:07 +0000

I found this blog entry basically by google-ing keywords about supervisors degrading me at my job. I did not include Library in my search and was truly surprised to find this post. I am currently 26 years old. I began working in Libraries at 16. Became a Circulation supervisor shortly after, and at 22 became director of a small library. I also currently hold the highest level of certification for my position. I have worked very hard to do these things. However, the last 4 years of my life as director of this library have been one of the worst experiences I have ever had. The older ladies on our Library Board refer to me as “kiddo” and “pumpkin”. I can quote public library law in answer to a question and still have someone “older” check-up on the answer. When I provide statistics in response to research, I am told that I probably don’t understand or didn’t do it correctly. Everything I do is a battle to be heard, and they’re the ones that hired me!! I constantly feel I am not good enough and never feel like working in a Library again after this. However, your post was interesting and it is comforting to hear others struggle with age in Libraries as well.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:48:09 +0000

I get a little loopy when I try to wrap my head around the experiences, or lack thereof, that a person born in 1990 might have. My first reaction is to sympathize that they missed the 80′s!

I’m 32 but I look pretty young, so I often am treated as a person much younger (most people assume i’m 22 or so). Probably wearing a lot of black and having a quasi mohawk doesn’t help to make me look more mature, as opposed to more mainstream attire, but I still have to remain true to myself.

Slowly, people have learned to take me more seriously, but it has been an uphill battle, and I haven’t taken any of that respect for granted.

I’m glad you posted this, it has given me some good perspective on this topic!

By: rachael

rachael — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:32:37 +0000

Just reading this post made me feel I had the opportunity to vent my frustration, so thank you! I’m just shy of 27, and I have the voice of a 6 year old, so it can be such a struggle to feel like I’m being respected for my ideas when I’m speaking with anyone even remotely older than I. People regularly call me “sweetie” & “honey” & other such degrading pet-names in purely professional situations, and since I know it’s not sexual harassment, it feels like there’s nothing I can do about it. I know I’m still quite young & new to being a librarian, but I’m still an educated & intelligent person.

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:45:08 +0000

Age…It is all relative 17 years as a teacher librarian, 52 years young and still learning in my job, from the global online community..and still loving my job. A great post, and great conversations.

By: Catherine Voutier

Catherine Voutier — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:05:01 +0000

Really enjoyed your post Sarah. I’ve had some problems myself with looking younger than my actual age, though now I 40, it isn’t too much of a problem anymore (thank you grey hair and wrinkles!). When I was in my 20′s, someone asked if I was still in primary school (I think you call this elementary school?) – that is how young I looked. Big problem when trying to find employment, though it was never started in the ‘thanks but no thanks’ rejection letter (bet it was an issue though). Anyway, I do commisserate with people when they complain about looking younger than their actual age. I won’t say what others said to me when I complained about looking young – “you are lucky!’ ie not taking the issue seriously. Hmm

By: Molly Ireland

Molly Ireland — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:25:06 +0000

Come get me….. my daughter was born in 1989 and my son in 1991. I get your point, and we just hired a lot of 20 somethings. I love it. Lots of energy. Molly

By: Tess

Tess — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:10:49 +0000

Awww. You don’t LOOK 34! (I once saw you present at a conference–and, no, I’m not a stalker). I like how Bill (of Bill the Librarian) summed it up: “…people of all ages in library land have much to offer.” And, I *do* think the learning goes both ways. And, I am glad that you treat the 21 year old guy with respect–not like how they at your first gig. I hope he learns a lot from you in return. Bah…he’s got tons to learn from you!

Anyhow, thank you for posting this–lots of introspection, understanding, acceptance and honesty. But, couldn’t help reading everyone’s comments—confessing their ages (in their 20s or not) and reading their accomplishments made me think of the Oct. 2nd NYT article on “Super People.”

By: Sue

Sue — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:47:35 +0000

I was really happy to read your post, because I definitely feel like I’ve been the victim of ageism in many of the libraries where I’ve worked. Even in my thirties, when all the other people in my department were in their fifties and sixties, I still felt like I was patted on the head as the ‘naive young person who doesn’t understand how we do things around here.’ As I get older *cough* I will have to consciously try to NOT be patronizing to the eager, new young employees and instead take advantage of their energy and enthusiasm!

By: Bill Drew

Bill Drew — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:10:26 +0000

I understand how you are feeling. I am at the other end of the spectrum. I am 61 and many baby-faced librarians have treated me like I have never used a computer in my life. Fact is people of all ages in library land have much to offer. I for one am actually much more of a computer geek/ tech geek than my 24 year old son who has his Bachelors in online media and journalism. I learn from him and he learns from me. I am into social networking than most of those 20ish yearold librarians. Youare are not an old codger and at risk of you finding me, you are more baby faced than me.

By: laura k

laura k — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:24:49 +0000

I can’t believe people told you to go away and let the grown ups talk!! That is so unprofessional, it hurts. I would be infuriated if I ever heard this on the job. Speaking as someone who has always looked younger than I am, I feel all this age stuff acutely. People often assume I’m younger than I am and must still be a student or can’t possibly have had a lot of career experience. Nope, I’ve been out of school for 10 years now, and working that whole time. I know some things.

And still, for the first time, I see people in their twenties and think “No way, you’re a baby!” I appreciate your reminder to take a step back, and recognize that they have valuable things to contribute, too. (Let’s not even talk about the college freshman wandering all over Berkeley these days…holy infants!)