Perspective - thoughts from the library

I work at a public library and I feel blessed to say that I love my job. Until recently, I've worked in the circulation department (checking books in and out, maintaining customer accounts, answering basic non-reference questions, taking fine money, shelving books, etc.). I have also done some reference work, and was recently promoted to a reference/outreach position. While I do love my job, let's be honest: it's a job. It's not perfect and some days are better than others. And some days, I just need to tell someone:

Things that annoy me:

1. The attitude "it's not my job" or, conversely "back away from my job." How about we all just work together to get done what needs to be done.

2. Rivalry between branches "they don't know how good they have it out there at X Branch." Or "Well, at Y, they do this. Why can't you?"

3. Condescension toward the circulation department. So often in libraries circulation is viewed with subtle condescension an with a lack of respect, I think because circulation staff aren't usually required to have a degree. But that's such a narrow and elitest view of things and really drives me crazy. I'd like to see what some of the other staff members would do if there was no more circulation staff.

Which leads me to today's thought: job swapping! How about you walk a mile in my shoes -- or in this case, how about you do my job for a week. Not just a couple of hours, or even a day. That's not enough time to get a real good view of the other side. A week. Maybe then we could all take one more step toward workplace harmony.