In the hallway there is a mirror which faithfully duplicates all appearances. Men usually infer from this mirror that the Library is not infinite (if it were, why this illusory duplication?); I prefer to dream that its polished surfaces represent and promise the infinite…
— Jorge Luis Borges, The Library of Babel --
In the contemporary environment, one in which we constantly and simultaneously consume and are consumed by information, we have come to inhabit Borges’ universe-as-library. As such, the struggle to properly navigate, collect and assess information is ubiquitous. It is up to librarians and information professionals to assist patrons in completing these tasks. The job of librarians, therefore, is more valuable and meaningful now than ever before.
Historically, information has been stored in physical mediums (e.g. tablets, papyrus, books, CDs). For this reason, libraries have historically been associated with these physical items and as repositories of knowledge and information. If one wanted to access this information, one needed to visit the physical library. As libraries and policies have changed over time, so too has information access. The days of restricted libraries — monastic, imperial, patriarchal, subscription and others — are largely in the past. As modern public libraries began opening their doors in the mid-19th century the availability of information became more widespread. In the current era of digital and electronic information, access to information of all kinds has further and greatly increased. These changes have had a profound effect on the profession and what it means to be a librarian.
It is imperative that contemporary librarians possess a varied skillset. They must have requisite professional skills, both theoretical and practical. A theoretical knowledge of a given skill, such as cataloging, is of limited use. Practical experience is a must in order for the skill to be of use. In addition to professional skills, an understanding of patrons’ needs and public service skills are equally necessary. The best catalogers, for example, can relate to patrons and have an understanding of how they search for material and resources. In conducting reference interviews or reader’s advisory interactions, librarians need to possess interpersonal skills. They carry the responsibility to act positively and professionally as they represent themselves as well as their institution.
As is the case with other professions, librarians do not operate in a social or cultural vacuum. In today’s media and information saturated environment, librarians and libraries act in ways that acknowledge events that affect the community in which they are situated. Although touted as neutral spaces, contemporary librarians must take action in response to social and cultural trends as they pertain to their community and patrons, so long as such action does not violate professional ethics, standards and laws. Along these lines, it is the job of today’s librarians to assist patrons in their quest for reliable and accurate information and resources. A good librarian provides or leads patrons toward their information goal; a great librarian goes one step further and provides unbiased sources or offers assistance in evaluating sources, again with the caveat that one acts ethically and responsibly.
When I tell people that I am a librarian, I receive varied responses, but most often the responses fall into one of two categories: “Oh, I love to read. It’d be cool to work I in a library with books all day!” or “A librarian?! Why? Aren’t libraries going to be dead soon?” Each of these responses illustrate commonly held conceptions of what a library is and what librarians do. As an early career librarian, I endeavor to combat these commonly held beliefs through positive action, engagement with the community and patrons and in my day-to-day work. Libraries are so much more than books and their future is bright. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to be a part of this future.
— Jorge Luis Borges, The Library of Babel --
In the contemporary environment, one in which we constantly and simultaneously consume and are consumed by information, we have come to inhabit Borges’ universe-as-library. As such, the struggle to properly navigate, collect and assess information is ubiquitous. It is up to librarians and information professionals to assist patrons in completing these tasks. The job of librarians, therefore, is more valuable and meaningful now than ever before.
Historically, information has been stored in physical mediums (e.g. tablets, papyrus, books, CDs). For this reason, libraries have historically been associated with these physical items and as repositories of knowledge and information. If one wanted to access this information, one needed to visit the physical library. As libraries and policies have changed over time, so too has information access. The days of restricted libraries — monastic, imperial, patriarchal, subscription and others — are largely in the past. As modern public libraries began opening their doors in the mid-19th century the availability of information became more widespread. In the current era of digital and electronic information, access to information of all kinds has further and greatly increased. These changes have had a profound effect on the profession and what it means to be a librarian.
It is imperative that contemporary librarians possess a varied skillset. They must have requisite professional skills, both theoretical and practical. A theoretical knowledge of a given skill, such as cataloging, is of limited use. Practical experience is a must in order for the skill to be of use. In addition to professional skills, an understanding of patrons’ needs and public service skills are equally necessary. The best catalogers, for example, can relate to patrons and have an understanding of how they search for material and resources. In conducting reference interviews or reader’s advisory interactions, librarians need to possess interpersonal skills. They carry the responsibility to act positively and professionally as they represent themselves as well as their institution.
As is the case with other professions, librarians do not operate in a social or cultural vacuum. In today’s media and information saturated environment, librarians and libraries act in ways that acknowledge events that affect the community in which they are situated. Although touted as neutral spaces, contemporary librarians must take action in response to social and cultural trends as they pertain to their community and patrons, so long as such action does not violate professional ethics, standards and laws. Along these lines, it is the job of today’s librarians to assist patrons in their quest for reliable and accurate information and resources. A good librarian provides or leads patrons toward their information goal; a great librarian goes one step further and provides unbiased sources or offers assistance in evaluating sources, again with the caveat that one acts ethically and responsibly.
When I tell people that I am a librarian, I receive varied responses, but most often the responses fall into one of two categories: “Oh, I love to read. It’d be cool to work I in a library with books all day!” or “A librarian?! Why? Aren’t libraries going to be dead soon?” Each of these responses illustrate commonly held conceptions of what a library is and what librarians do. As an early career librarian, I endeavor to combat these commonly held beliefs through positive action, engagement with the community and patrons and in my day-to-day work. Libraries are so much more than books and their future is bright. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to be a part of this future.