Chapter 9 - Refocusing

Abstract

This chapter highlights that working in a small special library is very demanding. The librarian working without professional support in a small library must be self-motivated and this capacity to generate one's own emotional and professional energy may give way from time to time, however committed one is to the role. It is a real challenge of the job to maintain stimulation without succumbing to overwork. This chapter presents a few suggestions of how this can be achieved and reviews some important issue of how the special librarian maintains energy and enthusiasm for this demanding job. Most special librarians would say that there is always more work to do than they can possibly accommodate. To keep one interested in his/her job, one must find new things to do but there is already more to do than one has the time and energy to accomplish. The chapter discusses some ideas for dealing with this situation and to develop fresh enthusiasm for work in special libraries.