Correct. It’s very possible to be a librarian without cracking a single book in your entire career. It’s a stupid thing to say in an interview, but reading books is not a requirement for being a librarian. Especially if you spend your day in the the library working with movies and music and computers like I do.
Honestly, I HATE these questions. First, because nine times out of ten they come from little old ladies who want to know what to read after they’ve exhausted the Danielle Steel or Nora Roberts shelf. I’m a big dude with a faceful of beard and a Batman poster hanging above my desk. Do you really think I read Danielle Steel or Nora Roberts?
But Justin, you say, surely there must be a pamphlet and/or website that gives suggestions based on authors. And I would say, indeed there is. But even that can bite me as I’ve been yelled at before when consulting said pamphlet. The woman wanted to know what I personally thought would be a good book for her to read. So I told her. The Stand was apparently the wrong answer. All of the above also applies to people who ask “What’s good?” and then scoff at the science fiction/horror/mystery story I suggest.
Even if I’ve got a good answer for that question, a lot of people like to play “Stump the Librarian” and shoot down every suggestion I give with a “Read It!” If you’re that much of an expert, asking me was probably counterproductive.
Oh, I’ve been on the academic library train since…2004. I just occasionally look longingly at public libraries. That is, until I realize how good I do have it and how much I like my job.
Our bible loving, non-reading librarian applied at my institution. Granted we’re not Harvard or MIT, but we are a fully accredited public university. Since, we aren’t going to hire her, you could see her application coming your way.
I’m wondering why you didn’t ask her that very question…“if you don’t like to read, why did you choose library science?” Is it out of bounds to ask that kind of question of a candidate?
You have to remember how the Banned Books list is compiled. It’s not a list of books successfully banned, but a list of books that have seen the most challenges. Challenges can be as complex as a hearing before the library board with arguments from each side to something as simple as a parent telling the librarian, “I don’t think that’s appropriate for this age group,” and then it’s never brought up again.
Justin_Bailey,I knew you’d show up to counter all the old librarian misconceptions. Even better that you’re a big beefy guy with a beard!
I just look up the subject (horror or whatever) and say “well, do any of these strike your fancy?” I’ve read the odd book at home that I think I might enjoy, but really, you’re not supposed to sit around and read while you’re working. We have student volunteers that “love reading”, and they’re pretty disappointed when we tell them to put that book down and do something constructive.
Book store managers and owners that I’ve talked to have the same problem…they get people who apply for the job because they love reading, which is great, but then the workers have this expectation that they can read on the job, instead of doing things like shelving the books and running the register. A love of reading is great for someone who works in a library or book store, but the worker has to attend to the job while on the clock.
Monstro, as a librarian, I recommend reading materials as well as authoritative sources of information for library clients. Librarians are trained to be selective and vigilant about the quality, and accuracy and relevancy of information. We care deeply where information and data come from. This is why we value established sources of info such as peer reviewed journals, and tend to discount sources such as Wikipedia.
Librarians don’t have to have an encyclopedic-like mind, although some do, but our training and knowledge demands that we find the right sources at the right time for the client. Google can do some of that, but I will always wager librarians do it better.
Heh, my library got the mother of all stupid reference questions the other day. My colleague came into the coffee room and said, “some stupid mofo just asked me if daylight savings time means there are 25 hours in the day.”
Oh, so that’s how people who ask those of use born on holidays like Easter and Thanksgiving if our birthday is a different date every year spend the rest of their time - inflicting their stupid on librarians.
Speak for yourself. Nine times out of ten, Wikipedia is exactly what the patron wants. Being a good librarian is knowing what to do in that tenth situation.
