"I'm Sorry"

Man, if I had a nickel for every time I heard those words from a library patron!

I don't know how much of this need to apologize results from a perception of librarians as strict, cranky old women with buns and how much of it comes from a lack of understanding of why librarians are there in the first place (namely, to help people find things!), but for some reason a lot of patrons seem to think they are imposing on us if they ask us for help finding something. Personally, I see it as job security! (There's also that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you find exactly what the patron is looking for and they're all impressed and grateful.)

Recently, there was an article in the American Libraries Digital Supplement called "The Bunheads Are Dead." The title is fairly self-explanatory, it's about how the stereotypical librarian is becoming a thing of the past. I think it's wonderful that people who pursue an MLIS have a huge variety of opportunities available to them, even if the title doesn't include the word "librarian." I love knowing that getting a degree in library science doesn't mean I've pigeonholed myself career-wise. But I still love being a "traditional" librarian in a public library.

No offense to any paraprofessionals out there, but I am concerned by the trend of filling school and public librarian positions with paraprofessionals, which was mentioned in the article. Being a good librarian is one heck of a lot more than knowing how to check out books and where to put them when they come back. It's about knowing have to navigate, evaluate and organize information in all its forms, and that does require some degree of training in order to do it well. (Although I suppose the argument could be made that most public librarians often find themselves playing the role of psychologist/social worker, and it's probably a safe bet that most of us don't have an MSW.)

I guess the point is, respect your librarians, because there's a lot more to the job than most people realize. But don't be afraid to ask us for help either. That's what we're here for, I promise!

On a completely unrelated note, my husband made my Valentine's Day by giving me a signed copy of "The Pigeon Wants a Puppy" by Mo Willems. I absolutely LOVE the Pigeon books, even if they are intended for preschoolers.

Seriously, how adorable is the Pigeon??