LIScareer.com -- The Librarian & Information Professional's Career Development Center

The Library & Information Science Professional's Career Development Center

Want to comment on this article? |

Office Politics: Advancing from Staff to Faculty within the Same Library
by Deana Groves

Many people work as support staff members within libraries as they pursue professional library degrees. Just last year, I migrated from staff to faculty at Western Kentucky University Libraries. I graduated and accepted a librarian position within the same unit in which I had been working for the past 10 years, so I felt prepared to apply my newfound knowledge to new challenges. Just when I was relieved that all the difficulties of pursuing my library degree while holding down a full-time job were over, I was blindsided by a set of challenges I had not anticipated -- how to maneuver this transition.

Leaving Old Friends

I have to admit I never thought about how my career advancement would affect current co-workers and friends, but boy, oh boy, was I in for a surprise. I had worked with these colleagues for many years and they were all there by my side lending advice and supporting my efforts to obtain my LIS degree. When I needed someone to proofread papers, they were there. When I needed to fret and complain, they listened with compassion and heartfelt caring. Yet when I accepted my faculty position, I felt a cold breeze blow my way as I was now seen as one of “them” instead of one of “us.” I was excluded on special outings and lunches, even though we all still worked in the same library unit and our work stations are just steps away from each other. There was often tension in the air when we congregated in the break room. Often when I was included in conversations it was with phrases like “You’re faculty now so you don’t have to…” or “You’re faculty now so you get to….” They teased me that I was better than them and held a higher rank, even though I hold no supervisory responsibility over anyone. They referred to themselves as “measly staff,” and I was constantly reminded that I make so much more money now. (Had they thought of the four summers I went without pay, not to mention the tens of thousands of dollars I’d spent on books, tuition, and housing?) Naturally much of this was said in a joking manner, but with an undertone suggesting they really meant these things.

Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when stepping into your new role as a faculty member:

Be up front with friends, and if they say things that are hurtful, tell them. Sometimes well-intentioned joking can still cut deeply.
Try to bridge the attitude of “us” and “them” – remind others that you all work for the same institution.
Toughen up. Accept the fact that as a faculty member you have certain job perks; however, you earned them. Don’t beat yourself up. After all, how many staff do you know that are required to conduct, publish, and present research?
You will no doubt find new friendships with fellow faculty members, but don’t discard your old friends. Make room for everyone.
If you truly want to be congenial with everyone, then by all means don’t diminish your past friendships by developing the attitude that being a faculty member holds more worth than being a support staff member.

Acknowledgment of New Faculty Status

On the other side, as I took on my new position I was also faced with some faculty members who still viewed me as a support staff member. I noticed that other faculty members rarely asked my opinions concerning decisions, and when I was invited to participate, my thoughts and ideas were sometimes not given the same weight. I found this particularly true outside my own department within the library. If you find yourself not winning over the faculty, work with them one on one. Many people have the opinion that respect must be earned, and because you came to this job as a member of the library support staff you bring a history. Remember, you can’t always make everyone love you; choose your battles and don’t fret.

Here are a couple of tactics that I used to handle this situation:

Act like a faculty member. After 10 years of referring to the dean by his last name, it was very difficult for me to address him using his first name – but all the other faculty do, so I knew I must also.
Dress like a faculty member. This may seem superficial, but more professional attire will help co-workers see you as a faculty member.
Assert yourself. The more you participate as a faculty member the sooner you will be accepted. Don’t give up with the first setback; keep trying.
Have confidence that you belong. Speak up at meetings, volunteer to be on committees, and let fellow librarians know you want to be involved.
Be positive. Many people get beaten down by the job; a bright, positive attitude can do wonders to win people over.
Keep staff needs in mind as you become part of the decision-making process. By taking advantage of your background as a staff member, you may find yourself bridging a gap in a way that benefits all employees in the library.

Balancing It All

As my 18-month anniversary rolls around, I can say the majority of these situations are in the past. Occasionally I still get the “but you’re faculty so you’re better off than us staff” comments, but I have learned to shrug my shoulders and not take them to heart. Also, I think I have proved myself to be a professional by my actions and accomplishments, and thus am accepted as an equal among fellow librarians.

These helpful hints can go a long way toward improving your new work environment:

Give people time to adjust to the new you. Don’t be put off when you are asked to perform a task that you did when you were on staff. Forward it on to the appropriate person and send a nice reminder that because you have a new position now, such-and-such is now responsible for taking care of these issues.
Be understanding. Those who don’t work directly or regularly with you may need more reminding that you now work as a faculty librarian.
If a past friend is bitter enough not to accept and be happy for your new position, then consider counting this person as a colleague but not a friend. Remember, burned bridges can be difficult to cross, so be professional about cutting personal ties.
Accept the perks that come with your new position with grace. Don’t talk incessantly to staff members about your salary increase, any additional vacation time you accrue, or the flexibility in your work schedule.
Set a good example. Others might want to make the move from support staff to librarian, and if your transition is positive it may pave the way for future hires.

I am committed to continuing my past friendships but sometimes feel as if I am still walking a tightrope trying to balance my faculty responsibilities with my friendships. However, I think it’s worth all the effort to have both in my professional life.

About the Author:

Deana Groves is the Education Catalog Librarian at Western Kentucky University (WKU). She graduated with her MLIS from the University of Hawaii in 2003 through the summers-only program. Prior to graduation she spent 10 years as a staff member of the WKU Cataloging Department.

Article published March 2005

Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in LIScareer articles are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the LIScareer editors.

View Page Stats