New Librarians and the Practice of Everyday Life

Abstract

In this article, the authors take a critical look at the challenges faced by librarians new to the profession. Using Michel de Certeau’s The Practice of Everyday Life, they examine how the coping tactics for new librarians described in the literature mirror the “tactics” de Certeau describes individuals using to “make do” within systems of power. This includes how individuals make do in their personal lives by coping with stress and how they succeed at work by developing networks and manoeuvering politically. This article will also discuss what de Certeau refers to as “strategies,” or moves undertaken by the system of power itself, within the context of onboarding and mentorship. Examining the literature on new librarians through the lens of de Certeau allows the authors to consider the ways in which the individual may choose to act tactically and integrate into a system of power, or may use the limited means available to them to quietly rebel. It also allows the critique of the use of tactics, which require individuals to take on additional work in order to adapt to the needs of the institution. Requiring new librarians to adapt to their institution is problematic, specifically in relation to precarious labour and to barriers to entry. These systematic issues require a collective response beyond what individuals can address. Using de Certeau’s work, the authors critically examine the literature that exists on new librarians and how individuals adapt and change to the needs of the academic library as a system of power.

Keywords

• new librarians
• precarious labour
• Michel de Certeau
• early-career librarians
• academic librarianship