 Click the image above to enlarge. | In the professional world of writing, publishing, and printed and digital cataloging of information, librarians are clearly the Rodney Dangerfields of the lot. They just don’t get respect! They are at the bottom of the food chain, far below authors, editors, journalists, literary agents, copywriters, cover artists, book store cashiers, and even book store coffee shop baristas! Here’s an example that epitomizes the utter lack of respect that librarians receive: |
A few years ago, my wife and a friend went for a pleasant stroll through our neighborhood on a lovely summer evening. However, it was completely ruined when a carload of teenage boys cruised past and mocked them with sarcastic catcalls. They slowed as they passed by, and one of them hollered out the window, “What? Are you a couple of librarians?”
My wife was devastated. She was teary-eyed and even sobbed a bit when she told me about the incident. “They called us a couple of…librarians!” she sputtered.
The dishonor associated with the profession is totally unwarranted. Librarians just don’t get the credit they deserve.
What would the world be like without librarians? Who would categorize and shelve all the books? Who would help with any audio visual needs? Who would collect fines on overdue books? Who would shush people?
There is a need for a call to action, and this month, librarians will gather in Las Vegas to strategize ways to counteract this level of disrespect. Also, under the theme of “Let’s redefine the meaning of ‘Top Shelf,’” they will evaluate ways to improve and re-package their image.
If you can’t make it to Las Vegas, you can still do your part. Just call your local library and ask for the reference librarian. Then ask for a killer recipe for a Tropical Hooter or a Dirty Bizzo. Believe me – you’ll be happy you did – and your perception of librarians will rise, even if just a little.
_____________________
Also, be sure to check out all of the information we have on Cow Appreciation Day, sponsored by the American Library Association and celebrated annually on July 15th. Click HERE.
My wife was devastated. She was teary-eyed and even sobbed a bit when she told me about the incident. “They called us a couple of…librarians!” she sputtered.
The dishonor associated with the profession is totally unwarranted. Librarians just don’t get the credit they deserve.
What would the world be like without librarians? Who would categorize and shelve all the books? Who would help with any audio visual needs? Who would collect fines on overdue books? Who would shush people?
There is a need for a call to action, and this month, librarians will gather in Las Vegas to strategize ways to counteract this level of disrespect. Also, under the theme of “Let’s redefine the meaning of ‘Top Shelf,’” they will evaluate ways to improve and re-package their image.
If you can’t make it to Las Vegas, you can still do your part. Just call your local library and ask for the reference librarian. Then ask for a killer recipe for a Tropical Hooter or a Dirty Bizzo. Believe me – you’ll be happy you did – and your perception of librarians will rise, even if just a little.
_____________________
Also, be sure to check out all of the information we have on Cow Appreciation Day, sponsored by the American Library Association and celebrated annually on July 15th. Click HERE.
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