What's in a Name, Redux

Photo: photosbyflick in Flickr

On a recent family vacation, I had a discussion with my father and brother about the name, "librarian." My family has heard me ramble enough about how the library profession has changed drastically in recent years, and they were wondering whether or not the name of our profession, specifically school librarian, should change accordingly. My brother contended that the term "librarian" holds a certain connotation of wisdom, helpfulness, and information-seeking prowess, which is still relevant, and therefore the name should not change. My father disagreed, claiming that if we want to move the profession into the 21st Century, a name change would help signify that shift. So, as always when we get to this point in the discussion, I asked, "OK, what should that name be? Library Media Specialist? Teacher Librarian? Library Teacher? Information Specialist? Information Technologist? Something else?" And that's where we hit a dead end. It's not that easy, see?
This is not a new discussion, but it's a hot topic that comes up frequently between librarians and those who suffer to hear our rants. As I see it, it comes down to a choice:

1. Recognize that the digital shift has forever changed the role of the librarian. Accede that too many of our colleages are stuck in the 20th century, clinging to their books and card catalogs, holding us back. Acknowledge that far too many of the public, including policy makers and even our fellow educators, misunderstand our jobs. Abandon the librarian title with good riddance for something that better portrays our new role (Keeper of the Books vs. Information Guide).
2. Drag the profession, kicking and screaming if necessary, along into the 21st Century. Educate, our colleagues, administrators, students, and the public about how we can serve their needs, and most of all DEMONSTRATE to all of our detractors that we are prepared to meet the challenge and embrace positive change. As Joyce Valenza puts it, "You can't be fierce in a holiday sweater."

I choose the latter option. I like the name librarian. When I tell people that I am a librarian, they know what it means (after being a Project Scientist for years, that's refreshing!). I feel the name still has a positive connotation, despite certain TV shows. Although it is definitely true that our profession is in flux and our image is in need of a serious upgrade, I believe this is an achievable goal. If recent press in the education world is any indication, our fellow educators, at least, are starting to get what school librarians have been trying to convey.


In the aforementioned family discussion, our most compelling reason for keeping the school librarian title was this: the name matters. During this time of financial crisis, we have a hard enough time getting school districts to keep their librarians - how much effort would it take to get cash-strapped-cut-anything-that-isn't-mandated districts to hire an Information Technologist? Or a Knowledge Manager? That smacks of excess and probably sounds a bit too much like an extra administrator for school boards and taxpayers to support. A librarian is a name they know; we just need to make sure people know understand what a librarian really is. We also need to make sure we are all living up to the title. I recently taught a workshop with a fellow teacher on Common Core resources, and she introduced me to the room full of educators as "not your typical librarian." While flattered, I stopped her immediately, saying "No, I AM your typical librarian!" We must take every opportunity to change the stereotype.

So to that end, I agree with R. David Lankes' recent blog post, "It's time to stop trying to save libraries:"

To be sure libraries need more funding, they need modernization, they need a shifted identity in the minds of our communities. To be sure there are some libraries that need to be saved in the most literal sense from closure, but the whole profession? By taking on the mantra of saving libraries, we are assuming that we are weak. Worse, it plays into the whole idea that we are wounded or broken. 

K-M the Librarian states:

I really hope that the end result of these growing pains is not a new name for what I do, but a new definition of the term librarian. I don't want the idea of librarianship to be limited by "just"; I want to expand the limits of traditional definitions.

And Buffy Hamilton, The Unquiet Librarian, in response to an article about school librarians leaving the libray to becomeTechnology Coordinators, says:

Changing the perceptions about what modern school librarians do, not our job title, is essential for the future of this profession. Finger pointing and the blame game are ultimately counterproductive at this juncture in the profession—we cannot change what has happened in the past, but we CAN make a difference for the future with the work we do now if we will carry the banner for school librarian more assertively and with respect for the possibilities that are inherent in that name: a librarian is not a technology specialist, but instead, a learning specialist and architect.  

So I'll keep calling myself a librarian, with pride. As Lankes goes on to state, "Let us also pledge that 'Hi, I’m a librarian' doesn’t sound like an introduction at a 12 step meeting, but instead rings like a declaration of pride akin to 'I’m the Goddamn Batman!'"