Not so secret I guess....

So this is the new blog. Wee-haw! While I find I have lots to talk about concerning what I do, I think that my other blog is not quite the place for it. Although I have worked on some thesis ideas there.

So the world of archives? Not so secret. But pretty confusing! And full of scandal and intrigue. Thank god!

I've been doing my best to keep up with it all, and have come across an interesting theory. In a posting on his/her anonymous blog, the Annoyed Librarian, whomever its author might be, discusses the concept of careers in the library field. While I'm not technically a librarian, I think this can easily transfer to archiving.

He/she bemoans the desire for young professionals who are too keen on having prestigious careers, refusing to work their way up the ladder and willing to settle only for top positions.

I wont deny that I want to be good at my job. I wont deny, either, that I want a job that interests me and that allows me to further my knowledge. Yes, I'd like to publish material. Yes, I'd like to do a lot of things. And I'm a driven person, so I don't doubt that I will do them.

BUT

When it comes to the idea of competition, the AL seems to assign it to only a certain group of bratty librarians. I think the competition is, at least in part, forced on us.

I am in a program that is about 20 + people too large. After a semester that I worked my ass off on, I still am known by name to only 1 professor. The others notice me with a vague recognition that they've seen my face before. These professors are the ones who will be writing my recommendations when it comes time to go out into the big, bad world.

How do I make myself 'known' without being competitive? And I'm not talking about being competitive in the way that demeans other students or is in any way snobby, I'm just talking about, a couple months down the line when the recommendation forms come rushing in and someone sees my name on it, will they know who I am and what I've done in my time here?

So yes, I'm choosing to be vocal about my opinions, even if they are not the commonly held, just saying them aloud so I sound smart ones. I am spending time that I would normally spend reading fun books taking charge of group projects and revising papers. And while it might look like I'm some competitive, cut-throat person willing to do whatever to be in a higher position than others, I think I'm merely trying to ensure that I have a chance to do something that I love and be good at it.