ACRL News Issue (B) of College & Research Libraries 197 P ro fessio n al Survival Planning at Midcareer Beverly B . Moore Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series o f arti­ cles on “Professional Survival." Beverly B. Moore is director o f libraries at the University o f South­ ern Colorado. M idcareer is a tim e for people to stop and think about where they are and where they want to be. It is also a time to reflect on what success is. W hen considering this question of success, many people find that their ideas have changed since they departed from library school for their first job. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself at midcareer: (1) W hat do I consider suc­ cess? (2) Do I care what others think? (3) What motivates me in my job and in my life? (4) Who controls my life and my career? (5) Have I ad­ vanced on my own or responded to the opportu­ nities offered to me by oth er people? (6) What are my aspirations at this tim e in my life? Are they the same aspirations I had at the beginning of my career? (7) W hat is the climate of the orga­ nization where I work? (8) Can I feel comfortable with my definition of success even if it means turning down a promotion? These are questions only you can answer for yourself.1 After deciding honestly what constitutes suc­ cess for you and w here your position is in the organization, you may begin to plan the second half of your career. Planning may include writing out an explicit statem ent of your personal objec­ tives, searching for reliable inform ation about career opportunities, and devising a step-by-step career plan.2 T his is th e tim e to be realistic about your career. You may have to change your original goals. If you decide that you will never be a li­ b ra ry d ire c to r, set your sights on a different goal— like becoming a superb head of technical services. You should consider what you truly like to do. Some people simply are not happy working as administrators and would be miserable away from public services or cataloging or whatever. It is not a sin to dislike administration. You should consider what you like to do and can do really well. Ask yourself: Am I the best children’s librarian in my area? Have I the best grasp of AACR 2 in my state? These skills are important, too—just as important as and probably more important than being the library’s administrator. My son’s first- grade te a c h e r was one of th e b e st first-grade teachers I have ever seen—dedicated, loving, and able. She moved to college teaching because of the prestige, money, etc. But she was unhappy as a college teacher, and elementary education has lost som eone who sparked young c h ildren to learn. Perhaps people should be happy and satisfied doing what they do best and like best, even if it means reconsidering their definition of success. On the other hand, people should not underesti­ mate their abilities. They need to be willing to try som ething new and not be concerned that they might not like doing it. W hen offered an opportunity in a different area, they should give it a chance. Midcareer is a time for people to reflect hon­ estly on where they are and where they want to be. You need not consider yourself a failure if your c a re e r has re ac h ed a plateau at a point w here you believe you have succeeded. If you have goals that you think are realistic and honest, you should continue to pursue them. Be willing to take risks by changing directions, by changing locations, and by learning new skills. You have only to satisfy yourself with your midcareer paths and goals. ■■ References 1. Thomas P. T ere n ce , “The C a re e r Plateau: Facing Up to Life at the M iddle,” MBA 11:21 (July/August 1977). 2. Ibid., p.22. Research Inquiry For an investigation of the life and work of Lindley Murray (author of the famous Gram­ mar, first p u b lish e d in York, E ngland, in 1795), I would be grateful for inform ation about archival or personal holdings of letters from, to, or concerning Murray and his fami­ ly, diary entries, records of Murray’s commer­ cial d e alings b e fo re and a fte r h e left th e United States in 1786, and for any other rec­ ords of his personal life. Also, any sim ilar items or information is sought about his friend and am anuensis E lizab eth F rank (c. 1774- 1850), compiler and author of the Memoirs of M urray’s life (York, 1826). P lease contact D avid A. R e ib e i, U n iv e rsitä t T ü b in g e n , W ilhem strasse 50, 7400 T übingen 1, G er­ many. AMERICA’S PUBLISHING PAST. . . Publishers for Mass Entertainment in Nineteenth Century America Madeleine B. Stern ISBN 0-8161-8471-2 lllus. $25.00 Comprehensive essays on 45 American publishing houses that specialized in inexpensive books for the general pub­ lic throughout the 19th century. Also chronicles the development of many popular literary genres, like the th rille r and the dime novel. Available in August Boston Printers, Publishers, and Booksellers: 1640-1800 Benjamin Franklin V ISBN 0-8161-8472-0 lllus. $30.00 Documents the influence of the book industry on the events of the day and the technical advance­ ments in publishing and printing during Boston’s first 160 years. S uccinct professional histories of every person known to have appeared in a Boston im print through 1800. Available in October Free shipping and handling on orders accompanied by payment. Individuals must include payment on all orders. Prices outside the U.S. are 15% higher. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-343-2806, or write: G. K. Hall R eferen ce B ook s 70 Lincoln Street • Boston, MA 02111