Why We Need Librarians

Ever since the advent of the Internet, there has been the sentiment that books and librarians would no longer be needed. After all, everything was free and available on the Internet, right? Wrong. Contrary to popular belief, not everything is on the Internet and not everything is free. It would be impossible to digitize all of human knowledge. And even if we could, how would you make sense of it all?

The Internet provides access to a wealth of information, that is true. But the Internet is a disorganized, unregulated place. You can type some words in Google and get results, but can you tell the reliable information from the unreliable?

Anyone can put something on the Internet. There are people out there who will do just about anything to get your attention. Type .com by mistake, instead of .org or .edu at the end of an Internet address, and be afraid, be very afraid. Some commercial enterprises buy addresses hoping you will make that mistake and end up on their web page, rather than the one you meant to go to. Librarians are trained to help you avoid that and make sense of what you find and lead you to the reliable sites, whether you use the Internet all the time or are a beginner.

Yes, Google is amazing, and I give it its due. But a librarian is a trained professional on duty in a library to help anyone and everyone with his or her information needs no matter what their skill level. A librarian will welcome you with a smile, patiently work with you to formulate your question, if needed, and help you evaluate your search results, so you are getting the best information possible. And we do our best to make sure you are satisfied before you leave the library.

Can Google do that?

In these trying times, we have been busier than ever. We help the newly unemployed fill out job applications and set up free email accounts. We put newcomers in touch with classes that will help them with their English. We provide free programs, DVDs and other materials for families who might no longer be able to afford to go out or rent movies. We help senior citizens practice needed mouse skills so they can email their grandchildren. We provide homework help and exam proctoring for students.

Can Google do that?

Librarians also protect your right to information by providing all sides of an issue and your privacy to seek whatever information you wish.

Can Google do that?

Don't get me wrong. The Internet, and Google in particular, have certainly made a librarian's life much easier. I can remember endless hours of searching in old newspapers and volumes of reference books for a fact I can now pull up on the Internet in seconds.

And that leads me to another reason you need librarians.

I can't tell you how often a library customer comes to me looking for help and tells me he or she has already looked on the Internet. I quickly do a search and find the information and the customer says, "How did you do that?" I just smile.

I want to say is, "This is what I do. I am a Librarian."