Stacked in the Lake Libraries

What is the public perception of librarians – smart, helpful, polite? We help people find books and information in a welcoming environment rich in resources.  And yet young and old still think of the stereotypical librarian with a bun, glasses, sensible shoes and pursed lips uttering “SHHH” to the noisy masses.  A perception we all strive to change. Therefore it came as a bit of a surprise when a concern was expressed in the Orlando Sentinel, November 25, 2008.  The Ticked Off column featured the following:

 

Ticked off! @ the stacked in the Lake library stacks

“The Lake County librarians wear revealing shirts. In a public office, they should be stricter on attire.”  Of course this comment generated many immediate responses to the Orlando Sentinel website.  Here are samples of the responses.

 

·         AAARRRRGGHH from Tampa, FL  says “Hey, I’m going to the Lake County library!”

·         Pamela from Titusville, FL   responds “You can join my husband. He’s on his way there now.”

·         Pinkerton on the case from Orlando, FL   adds “Hey, I can wear my tops how I like to. 1958 just called – they need you back!”

·         I like Tonka from West Palm Beach, FL  requests “Can someone post directions to the Lake County library?  I wanna go check out some *** books.”

·         And not to be outdone, Pamela from Titusville, FL  responds “Straight out Highway 50 past Highway 27. Keep going straight until you see the sign that says “Downtown Clermont” Turn right and it’s on the left. You can find my husband there trying to pretend he doesn’t know how to check out books.”

 

The response to this brief statement was remarkable, much more than to your average well thought out library campaign.  And as hard as we looked for that culprit with the risqué shirt, we could not find the guilty librarian.  Professional attire is expected of anyone dealing with the public but perhaps librarians, influenced by thousands of years of knowledge and infinite imagination, should change the public perception and go with what works.

 

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