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."

Why Every Library Needs a Hometown Authors Shelf and How to Promote Them

I have previously written about building a Local Authors Collection in a library in a previous post, How to Start a Local Authors Collection . Now, I will discuss further why this is mandatory for every library, especially public ones. All libraries often highlight international bestsellers—but what about the author who lives just down the street? A Hometown Author Shelf tells the story of your community, written by its own people. Local authors offer unique perspectives that national voices can’t. Their work may reflect regional issues, dialects, history, or folklore that rarely reach mainstream publication. Also, they don't have many followers, because they're just doing their thing and not getting much attention. This is where the library comes in. When patrons see familiar names or places in print, it deepens their emotional connection to both the library and literature. It says, “Your story matters here.” It also attracts local media attention, potential donors, and mo...

How to Start a Local Authors Collection in Your Library: 3 Steps

Looking to celebrate the voices in your own backyard? Starting a Local Authors Collection is one of the most meaningful ways to connect your library with its community. This will also promote your library to locals who may not have heard that your library is open and accessible to everyone! It will also send the message that you value your local authors and would like to work more with them in the future! Step 1: Audit! Begin with a simple audit: Do you already have hometown authors on your shelves? Create a list. Then, reach out to local writing groups, independent publishers, or universities—places where emerging writers often surface. Step 2: Curate! Don’t overlook self-published authors. Many have strong followings and are eager to share their work. Establish clear submission guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. Step 3: Promote! Highlight the new collection with shelf signage or a dedicated reading nook. Monthly features or “Local Author Spotlights” on social media also ...

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Let’s be honest: most of us buy those Starbucks planners because they’re pretty, not because we’re planning to become meticulous schedulers. At least, that was my initial intention—until I realized it could be the accountability tool I desperately needed. Now, my Starbucks planner is less about appointments and more about keeping track of my daily battles with self-discipline. Here’s how I use it to monitor three key areas of my life: resisting the urge to smoke, watching my calorie intake, and moving my body. 1. The Smoking Tracker This is the toughest section to fill out because it demands raw honesty. At the end of each day, I mark whether I resisted the urge to smoke—or if I gave in. There’s no judgment here (okay, maybe a little self-judgment), just a simple note: "Resisted" or "Gave In." I also jot down what triggered my cravings. Was it stress? Boredom? A sudden existential crisis while folding laundry? Writing it down helps me notice patterns, and when I...

Ruby Galvez, RL

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