Skip to main content

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." 


Popular posts from this blog

Common and Oddball Niches to Pursue on Amazon KDP

 In my blogs about making money online, I mentioned selling journals and logbooks on Amazon KDP. In some cases, I make journals out of ideas and inspirations I get from my life as a librarian, mother of a young adult, and a restaurateur/party caterer. I may sell the journals myself (selling mined gold) or sell them to people who might want to develop them as their own products on Amazon KDP (selling shovels for others to mine gold with).  If you want to find out more about the latter, here is the link to my Creative Fabrica store:  https://www.creativefabrica.com/designer/ruby-cari-galvez/ref/2135193/ In my brainstorming, I thought of several oddball and common niches that I could develop products around. Here they are... First-Time Homeowner's Planner – Step-by-step guidance and to-do lists for managing house projects, budgeting, and maintenance. Solo Hiking Journal – A log for solo hikers to track routes, wildlife sightings, reflections, and survival tips. Eco-Conscio...

What is Special About a Coming-of-age Novel?

A  coming-of-age novel  has distinct traits that set it apart from other genres, primarily through its focus on personal growth and self-discovery. Here’s what makes it unique:        1.     Focus on Character Development        -     Core Theme:     The central theme of a coming-of-age novel is personal transformation. The protagonist, usually a young person, matures through experiences, gaining insight into themselves and the world.    -     Compared to Other Genres:     While many genres focus on external conflicts (e.g., fantasy battles or mystery puzzles), the coming-of-age novel centers on   internal   conflicts—struggles with identity, morality, and self-understanding.        2.     Transition from Youth to Adulthood        -     Rite of Passage:...

10 Benefits of Becoming a Board Topnotcher in the Philippines

Becoming a board topnotcher in the Philippines is a highly esteemed achievement that can have significant benefits for an individual's professional and personal life. These benefits span across various aspects, including career opportunities, personal growth, and societal impact. 10 Reasons Board Topnotchers are a Big Deal in the Philippines 1. Enhanced Career Opportunities : Achieving topnotcher status in board exams in the Philippines often opens doors to a plethora of career opportunities. Many employers, particularly in competitive fields such as engineering, accountancy, and law, view topnotchers as individuals with exceptional capabilities and a strong work ethic. As a result, topnotchers often receive job offers from prestigious firms, government agencies, and private corporations. Additionally, they are frequently offered higher starting salaries, leadership roles, and opportunities for advanced training and education. 2. Professional Recognition and Credibility : Topnotche...