I often get asked the question: "Would you do as much as you do if you weren't in a tenure track position?" and my immediate response is "yes, absolutely." In my previous position, which was not tenure-track, I was quite involved in professional development activities, both for my own benefit and because I wanted to learn and contribute to my profession. I am involved today because I am always interested in learning more and providing assistance for others, and I care about my career and my future in the profession, regardless of tenure.

I wonder what others feel about this. Is it just me? Would you be as involved if you were not in a tenure-track position? Do you feel pressured to write, publish, be on committees, etc., to a level that you wouldn't normally be involved? And, if so, how does this make you feel?

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Susanne Markgren
Systems / Electronic Resources Librarian
Purchase College, SUNY