On Demand
Not Your Father's Library
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Scott Douglas, librarian at the Anaheim Public Library, McSweeney's contributor and the author of Quiet, Please: Dispatches from a Public Librarian (Da Capo Press, 2008), talks about the library life today.
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Progressive?
Stores and Games?
Give me a break. Pop culture is not progressive. The mission of librarians is education
is is documentated throughout the literature that self-censorship by librarians have increased over the years.
I'm a library assistant, yet everyone I know prefers to call me a librarian. I like the assumption that I have a masters degree, but I hate to downplay all the work the real librarians have put in.
I love that there is a young crowd in the libraries. We do bring fresh ideas and are key to reinventing the purposes of the library. We'll have to to keep them alive.
Go Desk Set!!!
http://www.myspace.com/thedeskset
Just a small point, the Dewey classification system *does* shelve books by topic!
My biggest complaint about the libraries I frequent in general is that they act as day shelters for the homeless.
They end up smelling and I don't feel comfortable hanging out. I worry about catching something.
I have compassion for the homeless, but I think the answer is not the library.
Education is no longer the focus of the library. We serve more as a community center and vital archivist of physical artifacts (books, maps, etc.).
Some one needs to keep "analog" copies of this material.
Neat image of a hipster librarian can be seen here:
http://www.jephdraw.com/random/libraryscience.png
This guy sells t-shirts with that image here:
http://questionablecontent.net/merch.php
About the 7th item down.
"Hipster librarian?" Why does everything have to have a layer of self-conscious fake excitement attached to it? Everything today desperately strives to be "entertaining." Frankly it's exhausting.
Hey Brian, great topic! I wasn’t a librarian, but an archivist. I retired after 35 years with the National Archives in the West Village. It wasn’t quite the same, but we had loads of interesting researchers. I got to meet and chat with celebrities, authors and just plain folks. Unlike a library, archives don’t have open stacks. Archivists have to retrieve materials for researchers.
Mimicking corporate bookstores is not "progressive librarianship" as your guest suggested. Public Libraries are operated in the public interest in the quest to keep information available to all in order to create an informed citizenry. This is the historic mission of the public library. Other for-profit institutions look to make money from "consumers", not citizens. I'm a librarian who became interested in the profession because of this mission!
Yet ANOTHER blitheringly STUPID discussion. Sterotypes often have SOME truth to them - but that doesn't mean that there are no counter-examples to the stereotypes. To point to an occassional counter-example is to do nothing to undermine the 'tendency-truth' of the stereotype. Many librarians tend to be bookish, reader type people. And such people tend to fall into a kind of type - NOT A NECESSARY type - just a tendency. And the last thing people who tend towards bookishness - literacy, learning, etc - are much concerned about is whether they are seen as 'cool' or not by illiterate airheads. I worry insofar as anyone things I am 'cool'. To me, a 'cool dewd' is most often a spineless, brainless fool in a state of constant anxiety about what other 'cool dewds' 'think' (an overstretch at best) about him. Marion is HOT!!!
In the NYC system, certain popular materials like graphic novels and hip-hop CDs are incredibly prone to be missing or damaged. I take these items out often and as much as 50% -- maybe more -- are missing or damaged. I really think people should have to leave a deposit for some of these items.
I'm a current library student (although I'm studying archives) with previous library work experience. I'd probably be considered one of these hipster librarians, as would a few of my friends who are currently enrolled in library school.
I think the appeal is not only the new media, but also to try to incorporate progressive culture into a more mainstream environment. In some ways, it's a political act. For example, a lot of my friends are interested in graphic novels, women's studies, environmentalism and zines. Young librarians are beginning to include programs featuring these themes into the library systems.
Furthermore, librarians can be a great economic equalizer, which appeals to myself and my friends as well (think of all the authors who grew up poor, but used libraries as a way to get their hands on literature).
When I want to find and read a certain book, I always go to Barnes and Noble because I know that they will have it, and I also know that I can read it peacefully with a cup of tea. Also, the Barnes and Noble employees are extremely knowledgable and helpful.
The library is more difficult to locate books quickly, and the recently published books are not always available. However, when I need to use the internet, I go to the library. It's free and fast and you can print cheaply.
Hmmm...
I work at the Bobst library and everyone here pronounces it with a long "o" sound, NOT like "bob".
NYPL should limit the amount of books, DVDs, and CDs to ten. People are taking many books particularly the children's section at one time.
Note that the examples the "hipster librarian" gave about why it's good to be a librarian had nothing to do with helping people. It was about wearing funny glasses and something about Naugahyde furniture. Ha ha. Please. Can we hire adults for these jobs? Please?
Elmer's wife Barbara sponsored a Jazz library which is called the B. Bobst Library.
When I was in NYU from 1993 to 1997 everyone I knew pronouced it "Bop-st" not "bow-bst".
An excerpt from the NYU Library Factbook available at:
http://www.nyu.edu/library/resources/factbook
The “o” in Bobst is pronounced as the “o” in tote (that is, long “O”). Mr. Bobst was born in Pennsylvania in 1884, son of a Lutheran minister; at the age of 18 he began his career as drugstore clerk at $3 per week. Studied pharmacy and law at home, was hired as a salesman by Hoffman-La Roche, rose to Director and Chief Officer, retired in 1944. President of Warner Lambert Pharmaceutical Co. 1945-67. Bobst contributed $11 million (of total cost of $27 million) as his way “of paying back libraries for all that they have given me.” The bust in the atrium is by James Rosati (1912-1988). More information can be found in Bobst: The Autobiography of a Pharmaceutical Pioneer at HD9666.95.B6.A3. There is also a file about Elmer Bobst at Ref1.
caller was working at the Bobst Library in the late 60's?
", it is named after its benefactor, Elmer H. Bobst who gifted six million dollars towards its ultimate completion and opening on September 12th, 1973"
I worked at Bobst library for almost 10 years. It was named after Elmer Holmes Bobst, who made his money in the pharmamacetical industry. He pronounced the first sylable of his name as like the letter "o." I never met Mr. Bobst. But I did hear his widow, Dodo introduced at a ceremony.
oh well, guess we were all wrong. :(
Re: Bobst pronunciation
I remember it as "Bobe" + "st" and that's what I have just confirmed by a couple of Web lookups, including a page at nyunews.com.
BTW Great show, Brian et. al. Keep up the good work.
-Paul
Hi Brian, I wanted to be able to get through today because the library system deserves some praise. I'm 26 and an avid user and lover of the NYPL system! I get CD's, obscure and classic films, mainstream movies and of course, books. Most people are surprised when I get such great stuff from the library. Sure you have to wait if there are multiple holds on an item, but that just makes you more excited when it finally comes in just for you! It's not the immediate gratification of Netflix, etc, but Im not opposed to slowing down a bit...plus the library is 100% free!! (until you forget to return those films..)
Thanks for reading,
Emilie
Why do I go to the public library??
Where do I start??????? (Actually, these days I start at the NYPL.)
I browse and borrow the DVDs and audiobooks--great variety--compared to other places--and, ahem, often more affordable.
I call/e-mail/chat online with the library if I have been searching online to no avail--and the librarian gets me the link.
I use my library card on the library website--and access academic databases. Those articles come in handy--especially when they're in electronic form.
In short, I go to the public library to become a better informed, more involved citizen.
bobst pronunciation:
http://media.www.nyunews.com/media/storage/paper869/news/2004/08/30/UndefinedSection/From-fyre.To.water.Terms.You.Need.To.Know-2389688.shtml
unfortunately, this is vague.
Regardless of how it's pronounced, I vividly recall my NYU Politics Department professor telling me, "that Bobst Library is not worth the cost of the dynamite it would take to bring it down." Coming from a one-book town, I remember thinking, "Only a Harvard graduate (which he was) would say such a stupid and snobby thing."
Brian and staff, for a great discussion on issues facing librarians, talk to these guys:
http://natehill.wordpress.com/2008/03/15/library-outposts-a-new-service-model-for-urban-public-libraries/
http://playfullibrarian.blogspot.com/2008/03/clock-is-ticking.html
Two examples of great and fresh ideas, incorporating a lot of the criticisms facing the modern library and its role in society.
Librarians incorporate Clay Shirky's ideas - good connection.
When I take off my glasses and let my hair down, I AM gorgeous.
no doubt...tho perhaps not as gorgeous as when u don't ..... *leering, lascivious smile.....
A reason I chose library science as a career path had to do with a report in US News & World Report in 2002 on the current wave of retirees in the llibrary science field. Having a BA in Literuatre, and facing an uncertain job market when I graduated college, I wanted a profession that would provide job security. Knowing there was an influx of retirees helped me choose this path. Now that so many young people are going in this direction, we are able to revamp the field by appling new technologies to old techniques. Digitization projects of archival collections has huge benefits to society because it increases access to knowledge that would otherwise be hidden away.
Brian, I expect so much better of you. That tired trope about "buns and shushing," and "Marion the Librarian"? This saddens me. I thought that was all cleared up long ago when the ONLY professional group that was advocating for free speech rights and against the PATRIOT Act was librarians. And your guest just got worse from there - with the bit about shelving like bookstores, which can only work for very small collections and ignores the obvious fact that the Dewey system does in fact classify by subject, to his unaccountable assertion that activism is somehow new to my profession, he negates the work that so many have done since the 1960s. I had to leave for work after about ten minutes, so I hope this guy got better...
It's unfortunate that the guest on today's show worked to reinforce many of the stereotypes that are circulating in the current media about librarians. There seems to be a negativity aimed towards public libraries and librarians in general which question their purpose, mission and importance. Yes, things have changed. But is it time to dimiss the seriousness or value that librarians offer? No.
The Public libray has ALWAYS represented the recreational interests of the people, but we balance those interests with the educational and informative as well.
Is the top two reasons to be a librarian the chance to wear funky glasses and buy stain- resistant furniture?
I think not. I became a librarian to be an educator. If I don't know the answer, then sorry to disagree with today's guest, but I will do everything I can to find it for you.
Like Lana, I became a librarian to help connect people with information and to take part in the process of education. The fact that so many people (especially librarians themselves) feel the need to woo patrons with cafes and big subject heading signs and entertainment media is one of the many symptoms of the dumbing down of our society. Not only should libraries and librarians stand up for themselves instead of caving to the pressures of the youth market, but parents and teachers should be reinforcing the true purpose and value of these institutions.
In response to #3: That was my first thought when he said that. Thanks for pointing out!
I am a librarian as well, and was more than disappointed in this segment.
First of all, I have NO desire to read, let alone purchase, this man's book. Secondly, did it ever occur to the "hipster librarian" types and those who won't shut up about glasses and hairbuns that the influx of younger library science students was due to a massive group of liberal arts students graduating in the late '90s and early '00s that failed to find gainful employment in their original undergraduate careers? This was in part because of the dotcom bubble, but I also think more likely because of this country's relentless outsourcing of meaningful office jobs in the past decade. The ONLY move for job security and some upward mobility was library science; history, art and English majors "liked" books, so figured librarianship could be easy and would pay. I know this is what I thought: indeed, after going to school you soon learn library science is not really about "liking books".
"Progressive" librarianship is NOT adding more graphic novels and movies to a collection; it is promoting literacy, education, civil liberties and championing FREEDOM OF INFORMATION. To hell with the goddamn hipster librarian BS.
The only thing we're hip to is how to keep libraries current ;-)
Bobst pronunciation: I just heard--Friday, around 11:15--"Frank's" comment on the pronunciation of "Bobst." He said he went to NYU in the 60s and it was pronounced "Bob" + "st". The library was built in the 1970s, which would be after he left. I went to NYU from 1981-1985, and from 2003-2005 attended LIU's library school's NYC program, which is located in Bobst and was the graduate student for the office. We've always pronounced it "Bobst," as in "Bobe" + "st". When the online catalog was installed when I was an undergrad, it was called "Bobcat" for Bobst catalog, and, of course, that was pronounced Bob + st. (and the Bobcat became a sports mascot--which has always amused me.) I have no idea how Elmer said his name.
Regardless of how one feels about the presence of new media/technology in public libraries, I think it needs to be said that Mr. Douglas should not be taken seriously as a representative of all librarians. After listening to this segment and reading his hardly objective Top Ten Lists of Reasons to be/not to be a librarian on McSweeney's, I have to wonder if a) he's trying to be funny (and I'm not getting it), and b) if his boss is aware of how he's giving the field (and Anaheim Public) a really negative reputation.
Maybe Mr. Lehrer can do a show with a more engaging, serious librarian in the future, one who doesn't have a problem being expected to "know things."
I agree with so many comments. Libraries ARE progressive ALREADY. What is more progressive than allowing access of information and literature to all segments of society-- including the homeless? I've been a librarian for 9 years so i am not exactly old or old-fashioned, nor bun-wearing. I too, and am so tired of people who speak with supposed authority on what is important and necessary to libraries. Appearance over substance and all that. Of course, technology is vital to libraries-- it always has been. These retiring librarians are the grandmothers of technology (and grandfathers) and usage.
***It may be of interest to remember that Barnes and Noble modeled their stores on libraries in order to increase sales.
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