A research study based largely on the published literature and including interviews with an extensive selection of librarians and library users, educationalists and employers, was made of the function of the library in a college of advanced educations. (CAE). The three main areas of investigation were use patterns, collection analysis, and processing and service technology. Conclusions were that the CAE's are making a genuine contribution to diversity in tertiary education and will provide a viable alternative to university education for those whose interest lies in technology. Teaching methodology will require new attitudes to encourage life-long learning -- teaching methods, and libraries must find their place in this process and contribute positively to it. (AB)
Descriptors: Academic Education, Continuation Education, Educational Needs, Learning Processes, Librarians, Libraries, Library Role, Teaching Methods, Technical Education, Technology
My scalp is burning. Doused in cosmetic chemicals, I’m grinding my teeth through the sting hastily awaiting the “ding” of a timer. Once I can rinse this horrid stink away I can view the new shade that will frame my face this time around. All the while, I catch myself wondering what the hell I’m doing this for. It most certainly isn’t for me. Not this time. Though I tend to change my hair color like a mood ring, once the novelty has worn off I revert back to the same blonde tone that has fallen on my shoulders since the seventh grade. As I’ve grown older my roots have grown darker, a perfect match for the creases that have found their new home on my forehead. Each wrinkle comes with its own special tale of triumph in the face of adversity. This week I noticed some gray roots and a new frown line, but the tale they tell is not one of victory or strength. This particular beauty treatment can be attributed to one small man, a handful of words, and a flawed society.
My project was dangerously close to its deadline yesterday, and I needed two thousand copies in twenty four hours from a workplace acquaintance with whom I’ve only ever encountered via email or phone. The inter-office mail would never get my documents to the xerox center on time, so I decided to bring it to him myself. His predisposition toward abrupt statements and his snarky attitude had successfully kept me at a safe distance for some time now. Trusting my relentless optimism, I was sure he just lacked the type of effective communication skills that separate the leaders from the laborers, and that my dazzling people skills would serve me well in my time of need.
I hopped in my car, almost excited to finally have a face to associate with that irritable voice. I entered the building and breathed a sigh of relief when my fingers confirmed that I had donned the identification badge I so frequently forget on my kitchen table. My swanky pantsuit and high heels were far from their corner office, and the clack of my footsteps on the elevated wood floor reverberated off the walls of the shabby structure. I quickly found my way to the copy room and entered, relieved that I would definitely be able to meet my deadline.
Amidst a hoard of blank paper, xerox machines, and a wasteland of disorganization was a small man leaning back in his chair lackadaisically, feet resting on a cluttered desk. He whipped his head in my direction, revealing a snarling upper lip and less than welcoming expression.
My stomach sank like a rock, and I found myself in a rare state of speechlessness. Instead of feeding him a fistful of feminism and fury, the room grew large around me. Had I sipped from a bottle marked “Drink Me?”
His rant continued with a series of inquiries about my use of photo filters, and a snide accusation of falsely advertising my appearance. I am a lady, and proper ladies accept demoralization in stride. We’re conditioned to do so from the first time a boy pulls our hair because he “likes” us.
“That picture was from last summer. I got fat at my desk job, and I’m not wearing any makeup today.” I handed him the necessary paperwork, turned on my heel, stuck my nose in the air, and feigned confidence in my stride as I marched out of the room. Once in my car I immediately flipped down the visor, inspected the uncovered crows feet in my reflection, and applied eyeliner and mascara to mend the wound. I couldn’t go around with clean skin or naturally blonde eyelashes deceiving any more coworkers.
I chose to justify my appearance rather than reprimand him for his grossly inappropriate comments. I’m outraged by his belligerence, but even more appalled by my own reflex to accept that degradation, and feeling the need to rationalize my lack of maquillage to a man who clicks “print” for a living.
I have to wonder how many men are accused of falsely advertising their appearance when they use a filter on a flattering photo that doesn’t showcase their midsection. Men don’t have to paint their face into something aesthetically pleasing to the female eye. I know that I have every right to walk through life with a bare face and a few extra pounds, and yet here I am letting this awful little man bring my insecurities to the surface like a thirteen-year-old girl with her first pimple.
I wore a dress to work today. My inner thighs are raw, but I deal with it. It’s my job as a woman to cope with the pain in exchange for a pleasant appearance. Groupon doesn’t currently have any reasonable deals on Botox. The thought of a needle in my face horrifies me, but I still checked. My older features can’t shine bright enough to match my platinum favorite anymore, so tonight my scalp is burning as I return to my roots.
Erin, you are beautiful and incredibly intelligent. Don’t let anyone, man or woman, belittle you for your appearance. You’re too nice, because I probably would have shot a nasty comment right back.
Your no filter, no make picture shows a beautiful and confident person. I’ve stopped wearing make up for the longest time, even when I am at work. It’s just too much hassle. Though I do indulge in it, if I feel like it.
I loved the line “Had I sipped from a bottle marked ‘Drink Me?'” and also the comment about Groupon.
This is a colourful piece which highlights a very real concern. I wonder though if more time could have been spent on the actual incident with the little man, rather than so much information at the beginning?
I’m actually really glad you included the photo at the end too. Not because you needed to, but because it was your choice to. Great job.
Thanks😄 I was getting a lot of feedback that the relationship between myself and “The Little Man” (bahahah I love that) wasn’t clearly defined. Why did I need to go see him? Who was he to me? That kind of thing. The actual encounter was very brief.
Loved this piece Erin.Men have no idea of the pains we women undertake to look pretty.And you look so pretty without make up!