Busting Librarian Stereotypes

National Library Week is an annual celebration that highlights libraries, librarians, and the many ways they support their communities. It’s the perfect time to take a closer look at some common librarian stereotypes and why they can be discouraging. It’s understandable to fall for these stereotypes, but it’s also important to recognize the truth and why librarians deserve appreciation.

1. Librarians Just Check Out Books All Day

From an outside perspective, it’s easy to view librarians’ roles and think that they’re mostly in charge of books. While not entirely incorrect, it’s what they do with those books and the knowledge within them that separates myth from reality.

For one thing, librarians work with several kinds of materials, not just written literature. Librarians house movies, CDs, research, and so much more. According to Syracuse University, “Librarians are facilitators who should aim to enrich, collect, curate, and store information.” That’s definitely more than checking out books.

In fact, one can’t simply apply to be a librarian and expect to get the position. Most librarians need a degree in library science before considering managing a facility.

In addition to their primary roles, librarians also serve as administrators for the well-being of the facilities they operate. This often includes financial, technology, and partnership management. Librarians are also frequent advocates, ensuring their library’s information remains affordable and accessible.

As an added benefit to patrons, librarians’ roles are constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern communities. For example, digital librarians are professionals who specialize in information that requires technological use. Thus, a digital librarian is aware of current technology and understands how to make information accessible through such means.

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2. Librarians Are Always Shushing People

We’ve all seen the classic movie librarian who walks around shushing anyone who even speaks above a whisper. While these gags can be humorous in Hollywood, it is important to emphasize that they’re fictional. For real-life librarians, they can be harmful.

It’s understandable to see these stereotypes and feel hesitant to visit the library. No one wants to be shushed all the time! However, the truth is that librarians are just as human as the patrons who enter their facilities. They can be older, but they can also be recent college graduates. Libraries are generally quiet places, but librarians are aware that conversations are an inevitable part of community spaces.

In truth, librarians are usually far too busy with other responsibilities to walk around shushing people. Simply put, librarians are there to help, not deter people from returning. A teenager conducting research for an assigned project can ask their librarian where to find the best resources. A patron who needs a quieter space for conversation can ask a librarian about using a private community room. A bibliophile can ask for a book recommendation, and the librarian will happily respond.

Librarians are cultivators of community centers, not grumpy hall monitors.

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3. Librarians All Look the Same

Many people still picture the “classic” librarian: an older woman with 80s-style square glasses, a tidy bun, and a stern expression. Librarians can be exactly that, but certainly not all of them. Just like library patrons, librarians are diverse people with their own perspectives, experiences, and interests.

If you want a real sense of what a librarian looks like, you’ll find that librarians can be of various ages and genders, with diverse identities and areas of expertise.

Representation is important, and modern librarians are aware of that. Patrons can walk into a library and see their librarian wearing a traditional suit and tie just as easily as they can find one wearing t-shirts and tattoos. They may ask an older librarian with years of experience for assistance one day, and the next, they may get help from a younger librarian with the most up-to-date knowledge on digital resources.

It’s important to give librarians a chance and avoid outdated stereotypes that undermine their skills.

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4. Librarians Aren’t Needed in the Digital Age

As technology rapidly improves and evolves, it’s easy to think that librarians are no longer a necessary resource. This is a myth that affects libraries as a whole. What most people don’t consider is how that information is understood and cataloged. Who learns new technology and teaches it to others? Who ensures that digital tools can be used by everyone?

The answers to these questions rest with librarians. Modern librarians are more important than ever, especially as they continually adapt to changing times. Among these changes is the work of transferring physical media into digital collections. Librarians also research and familiarize themselves with emerging technologies, which allows them to promote and teach digital literacy.

Perhaps most importantly, librarians help advance their facilities by making new technology accessible to the public. This includes essential resources such as wifi, devices, and online databases, which are typically blocked by paywalls. For people without reliable internet access or technology skills, librarians are essential.

Librarians should never be defined by their stereotypes. They are leaders, researchers, community advocates, professionals, teachers, and so much more. As technology continues to evolve, their work becomes even more vital. Celebrate National Library Week by visiting your local public library and thanking your librarian.

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