Why are Librarians so Defensive?

When I studied library science as my second course, I didn't know that part of the job would be to defend the profession and my own professional status from derogatory remarks.

Common statements, even from acquaintances and family, include:

"Why would we require licensed librarians when there's an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) in the library?"

"Libraries are embracing digital formats. Librarians will become redundant as physical books fade into history."

"No one frequents libraries anymore."

"You possess a Master's degree/PhD, yet you work in a library?"

and my favorite, "You need a master's degree in library science/license/degree to shush people?"

If anyone says these things, the short and quick answer would be: librarians and libraries are still relevant and necessary in this day and age.

Some colleagues might choose to sidestep these remarks or individuals who voice them. Occasionally, such dialogues escalate into heated confrontations, especially in online platforms. I don't. I know that librarians are needed, and no one can refute it.

The significance of librarianship has been under scrutiny for years, particularly in the wake of the information explosion brought about by the advent of the Internet.

No wonder so few people want to be librarians. Even today, certain educational institutions lack a designated librarian despite having a library facility. Often, the responsibility of overseeing the library falls upon a teacher with a relatively lighter workload or an individual in close proximity to the library who can assist its users as needed.

It's not widely recognized that librarianship has evolved into a bona fide profession in the Philippines. A licensing examination exists for librarians, and passing it is far from an effortless endeavor.

Routine tasks, such as maintaining a Library Accession Book, present genuine challenges. Consequently, contemporary librarians frequently find themselves compelled to defend their profession when confronted by individuals who seem to underestimate its value.

Despite disparaging remarks about my vocation, personally, I relish engaging in conversations regarding the relevance of librarianship and am always ready to give my two cents.

Here are a few of my retorts intended to "defend" my profession and elucidate why librarians continue to be essential:

"We're entrusted with the management of both archives and digital resources, overseeing their digitization and proficient organization."

"The role of librarians becomes paramount during information crises. Their relevance emerges when there's a need to efficiently sort and retrieve information within any organizational setting."

"Books represent curated repositories of knowledge, and no internet content can truly supplant their significance."

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Ruby Galvez, RL

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