Faculty

Today I experienced the first part of the mental shift that I expected. As it turns out, this month is the preparation for performance reviews. Here, libarians are considered faculty with tenure possible. I was hired in under the non-tenure track. I certainly know how the process works, and how reviews work; but the gut check I received opening that review document, which plans out my year, was still present. This will be the first time I experience it. I’m no longer “staff” and the shift in expectations is significant.

I knew this and I knew what I was signing up for and still it caught me by surprise. And part of that is my mentality. I had thought of myself as an “in the trenches, blue collar” kind of person. And my work ethic is still that way. It might always be that way. But having my new co-workers talk about their publication requirements and my eventual projects (to be determined by me) reminds me that I am on the other side of the fence now.

While startling, it gave me a boost of confidence. We discussed areas I might fit in, initiative that need attention. I have to retrain my mind to think differently. I’m grateful that I will have a lot of support here. Decisions have to be made about which college(s) I will be addressing, but at least I have a toe hold on something. And that’s all I really need.