The T & P File: File Advisor #2

So I met with file advisor #2 and, putting my bruised ego aside, the result of this meeting was very insightful and productive. File advisor #2 was a great choice because of her intimate knowledge of the workings of the T & P committee (she chaired the committee not too long ago!). It is interesting that file advisor #2 picked up on things that file advisor #1 did not. File advisor #1 took a top down approach to the file. That is, looking at my my personal statement to guide the development of the file. On the other hand, file advisor #2 had a bottom up approach. She focused on looking at the individual documents and evidence to help form/shape my descriptions and statements (particularly my teaching statement). This is just an example as to why it is important to have different individuals consult your draft file.

I got some very valuable feedback from file advisor #2. Some include:

• CV: moving some things from my CV to the actual file (as evidence); be consistent with my tenses
• References: consider using a tenured librarian as a reference as opposed to another tenure-tracked librarian (I was a bit surprised by this as I didn’t see why it would make a difference, but I will incorporate this change, because file advisor #2 is very knowledgeable and I trust her candor)
• Information Literacy section: to include a separate page for each sample class I chose and in bullet form (to make it easier for the T& P evaluators) address the specific techniques or methods I used for that class
• for documents created with others or documents which are modified, I should include detail description of what I did
• for each section of the file, include the most recent examples first

The end looks like it is sight. I will be tackling all these issues and pray to complete the finalized draft of my file by the end of the week. I need a vacation!

Fear (Revisited) or Untenured Angst!

As a younger, untenured librarian I might be a good candidate for introducing new ideas or fresher ideas to the library. I’m encouraged to contribute my ideas and offer solutions to problems within the library. The problem is that those bearing the “untenured” status are vulnerable. The whole process requires that you be evaluated by your peers. You are told that you should be free to express your opinions or ideas without fear of reprisal from colleagues. I’m not too sure if that is actually the practice. As petty as it seems, your colleagues might hold grudges for ideas or projects that you might want to pursue or advocate. I hate to think that disagreements or differences in opinion might affect my career, but it is a possibility. What is the solution? Not sure. Just. Grin. And. Bear. It! OR…

Get a mentor who is aware of the political climate, allegiances etc. in the library and the overall institution (i.e. college or university). This mentor (preferably tenured) should be able to guide you through navigating the tenure process , advise you on your professional development and/or be a source of emotional support during the rough patches of this adventure. You might also want to get a mentor outside of the department or the institution to get another perspective on these areas of your career. I’ve turned to my mentor on a number of occasions and her advice has always been invaluable. With her assistance I’ve identified areas where I could contribute in the library (committees, projects etc.). I’m also aware of the political underpinnings in the library and where to tread lightly.

The tenure process makes you more aware of your performance and how others might perceive you and your work. I’m experiencing much fear angst about my vulnerability. It might be the whole process or I might be too much of a worrier.