Doing Well by Doing Good.

[Scott Ziegler]

Much of the excitement and energy from the original Howl has by now
dissipated, and as ideas and outcomes have been slower coming than
many may have originally hoped for, I offer this as my last (at least
for now). True benefits for this and any other profession will
probably have to be continuous efforts, and brought about by a
multitude of small activities. (We might map this to the professional
distinction between “projects” – which are specific activities with
set time frames – and “programs” – which are ongoing core
activities.)

What I have in mind is helping interns find relevant work (instead of
giving them only data-entry to do), being honest about the education
of the field (let people know when library/archives school is wasting
our time, and offer suggestions to people who can fix the problem),
and going out our way to offer guidance and advice to new/prospective
students.

Being a mentor, starting helpful blogs and discussions is a way to do
good for others in the profession. It is also a way to do well, to be
noticed and to (maybe) help us find (new/better) jobs. I think we
should take a cue from Benjamin Franklin and acknowledge that doing
good and doing well are often linked. Perhaps the most we can do is
help ourselves by helping others. Hopefully we will not only try to be
helpful when passions are inflamed.