You make a good point, Traci. However, once certified, a librarian has the reasonable expectation of sustained employment. Surveys have shown most genealogists don't depend on research hours for their livelihood. I believe the reason is lack of demand for genealogical research services. Due to the sporadic nature of demand, a reasonable investment in genealogical research education is warranted. For the general population of genealogists, investing in a degree program so they could be termed "professional" would not likely result in a favorable cost/benefit ratio. Bonnie Dunphy Kohler South Florida ----- Original Message ----- From: "Traci Thompson" <TThompson@Braswell-Library.org> >I am considered a "professional librarian." I am considered such not > because I like to read, not because of my experience, not because I get > paid, etc., but because I followed a prescribed educational path and > earned a particular degree. Then, in order to practice my profession in > a public arena, I was required by my state to apply for a certain > certificate, which also hinged on my educational attainments. > > This system has seemed to work fairly well for librarianship, and since > I come from this mindset, I don't have an issue with certain educational > goals, degrees, or certificates being required for one to be considered > a "professional genealogist" (or, professional family historian.) > [snipped]