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Consider, if you will, all the available
historical stereotypes surrounding librarians: elderly women in white sneakers with their
hair held in a bun with a pencil, forever pointing to the book stacks "over
there" and the ever-present "ssshhh!!!" poised on their lips and right
index finger, techie computer geeks clad in funny ties and pocket protectors, and of
course, the recluse bibliophiles. Fortunately, the stereotype of librarianship has begun
its journey, once again, of metamorphosis. Librarians are returning to their original
position in the academic world...the gatekeeper. Knowledge and its receptacles are heavily guarded and protected behind these prodigal gates. The librarians of the world hold the keys to these gates. It is our responsibility to share these keys with all those interested in gaining entrance through the gates. However, we must realize it is also our mission to advertise the great realm found behind the gates, interest the future learners and library users, and create an access that is simple, understandable, and relative to each unique set of learners. No longer shall materials be hidden in labyrinths to which only librarians hold the maps. Our foremost goal should be to open the gates with our proverbial keys, provide maps, instruct others how to effectively employ the maps, and finally and ultimately allow others to create their own maps. I once read that "people become librarians because they know too much." No, librarians certainly do not know it all or perhaps even too much for that matter, but we certainly do know how to find it all and most importantly, evaluate the material we discover. Location, evaluation, and distribution...these are the true keys of librarianship. |
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© 1996-2003 Amee H. Odom