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Not Your Ordinary Librarian: Debunking the popular perceptions of librarians

Ashanti White, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA

Chandos Information Professional Series

This book is entertaining as well as arguing the serious point that stereotypes do matter. It is recommended for this reason.
The Australian Library Journal

 - provides contemporary examples from popular culture
 - chapters are supported by quotes, images and personal reflections
 -  presents a study which offers authenticity
 -  appeals to a variety of readers

When you picture a librarian, what do you imagine? An old white woman with glasses and a prudish disposition? That is the image that many people conjure up when asked to picture a librarian; with 82 per cent of the professional force being female and the average age of a librarian at 45, coupled with popular stereotypical images, it is difficult to dispute the perceptions. But there is more to librarians than meets the eye. This book will explore the origin of the image and popular media images of the librarian, in addition to the effects of the stereotype, and the challenges to the perception of librarians today.

Readership: Professionals and paraprofessionals in academic and public settings for professional development. It also has relevance to those Masters and technician students who are contemplating or about to enter the field, especially on those courses studying the importance of diversity in information accessibility. Moreover, this book will be a text for recruiters who want a better understanding of why people are reluctant to enter the field.

£47.50 / US$80.00 / €55.00

An e-book version of this title is available to purchase as part of a Collection or Pick n Mix. Visit Chandos Publishing Online

About the author

Ashanti White is currently an ACE Scholar, pursuing a Masters in Library and Information Studies and an accomplished author and literary critic. She has recently been selected as a recipient of the 2011 Diversity Research Grant from the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity. White graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2003, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African American Studies with a minor in Philosophy. She has also attained a Masters in Liberal Studies with a Concentration in World Cultures and is the author of two works, Chasing Eden and Razor Blades Between My Teeth. Her works have appeared in Callaloo, Mandala Literary Journal, and The Amistad among other publications. Forthcoming are her chapters in Library Management Tips that Work, which will be published by the American Library Association.

Contents

In the beginning: the origin of librarian stereotypes
 - Contemporary history of librarianship
 - Women, libraries, and the origins of the stereotypes
 - Libraries during the Great Depression
 - The old maid, policeman, inept, and psycho librarians
 - Belle da Costa Greene and history’s forgotten librarians
 - Notes

Hollywood love affair: the librarian in American film
 - Marian Paroo, also known as Marian the Librarian
 - The Mummy
 - The Librarian
 - Mary the Librarians
 - The mean, uncooperative, and unseen librarians
 - Notes

Heroes, vigilantes, and rock stars: the librarian on television
 - Television’s heroes: Barbara Gordon and Rupert Giles
 - Librarians in children’s programs
 - Notes

Not your ordinary library: the librarian in literature
 - Children’s literature
 - Adult literature
 - Notes

How true are the perceptions?: examining the common librarian
 - The truth of exclusion
 - The truth of underrepresentation
 - The truth of appearance
 - Notes

Perception is reality: the effects of stereotypical images
 - Stereotypes interfere with service
 - Negative images adversely affect funding
 - Underrepresentation hinders recruitment efforts
 - Notes

Diverging images: the sexy, author, and friendly librarian
 - Stereotyping in advertisements
 - Claiming and changing our image
 - Using the love of books to our advantage
 - Bridging
 - Active recruitment is essential
 - Reconsidering policies
 - Maximizing technology’s influence
 - Getting to the root of the profession
 - Notes

The end of stereotypes: a new beginning
 - Appendix A: Films featuring librarians
 - Appendix B: Films featuring minor librarian roles
 - Appendix C: Films that mention librarians
 - Appendix D: Foreign films featuring librarians
 - Appendix E: Good librarian websites
 - Bibliography