A Couple from the Annoyed Librarian

#1 - This person suggested a survey, and I, always looking for blog fodder, thought it was a great idea. So my question is, were you one of the unpopular kids? And did this have any effect on you being a librarian? And does this explain the self-promoting library phenomenon at all? Does it help explain why so many librarians seem to immerse their identity in being a librarian?

The response I left as a comment - I was a painfully shy geek (D&D, comics books, library user, etc.) in school, but involved in enough activities (sports, vocal music, art, etc.) that I had contact with and acceptance from many. Definitely not popular, but not terribly picked on either. Just quiet and kind of lonely.

I fell into the library by happenstance, but have found it a good fit because I am bookish and shy but also find relationships and service important.

I use blogging mainly as a way to stay in touch with friends and update them on my life and thoughts. I never get too personal and use a psuedonym, but I can't deny there is a certain amount of self-absorption that goes along with it. I'm writing about myself, after all, and putting it out there for the world to notice. I have to admit to a little thrill each time someone cares enough to leave a comment. I think that goes back to my school experience more than my being a librarian does; I felt socially unnoticed for the most part growing up, so now it's gratifying to feel noticed. That said, I want to say that I don't consider myself a self-promoter. That's why I use a psuedonym and blog about anything and everything. I'm not trying to be an expert or fill a niche, just share myself with those who care to read. It probably only means anything if you know me.

#2 - I've read and heard plenty of arguments, rants, and discussions among librarians about how bad Google is, that is, it's bad because it's so good. "We buy all these databases and students just go to Google," the librarians whine. "Googling isn't a good way to do research, but they try anyway." And of course one of my favorites, "I'm a human search engine, I'm way better than Google." But alas, nobody cares.

Google has done irreparable psychological damage to plenty of librarians who loved being the tightfisted and anal retentive guardians of information. And they have to hear "Google" used as a verb all the time. No one ever made a verb of "librarian," and if they did it probably wouldn't have anything to do with search. Now that Google's around and it's so popular, these poor damaged librarians should sue Google for something or other.

I learned really quickly as a librarian that if I told someone they shouldn't use Google I lost all credibility with them. Google works. They know it and I know it, and claiming anything different is a lie. It may be one tool among many and not the best one for every task, but you have to give credit where credit is due.

It does seem an injustice, though, that there isn't a verb of "librarian." What definition(s) do you suggest?