Let's face it, most professional library productions don't give Eddie Murphy much of a run for his money when it comes to humor. This one's different. Tales of Plateauing is about a common problem in our profession: job burnout. Many library workers reach a point in their careers where there are simply no more rungs up the ladder in their positions (and we're not talking about directors, here). Using comedic skits, this program examines three such cases. In the first segment, we meet Enid, a "good dam librarian" (she's a beaver) who's getting tired of checking out the same "dam" books to student beavers all the time. When her supervisor, Roberta, calls her in for a meeting, the two discuss the problem and work towards a solution which allows Enid to be more creative in her job. The second segment, which features Roberta Rabbit, is the weakest. The story involves a branch manager who's passed over for promotion, and is counseled about taking up a consultation service on the side as a means of making use of her extra energy. The final segment, in which Earl Squirrel, a circulation clerk, wants to expand his responsibilities, covers the subject of non-professional staff being given the opportunity to get their M.L.S. degrees. A 12-page discussion guide, which lists symptoms of plateaued employees, as well as offering suggestions for career renewals, is essential to the program. The video, itself, works mainly as a great ice breaker on a sensitive subject. Highly recommended. (See THE FUTURE IS INFORMATION for availability.)
Tales Of Plateauing
(1989) 27m. $130. ALA Video. Public performance rights included. Vol. 4, Issue 7
Tales Of Plateauing
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