In With the New

When reading the Librarians thread of Lankes' The Atlas of New Librarianship, I found a blurb that really stood out to me. When Lankes mentions that one day "we will discard modifiers like 'participatory' and 'new' and simply be librarians, part of a better society, respected by our communities, and devoted to our members" (187). It's interesting, because when I was reading the Atlas, I didn't really focus on the "new" aspect of librarianship. When I started applying to Library Science programs, I (naively) believed that there was nothing wrong with libraries. What I mean is that I was satisfied with what I had experienced throughout my many years of visiting libraries. I didn't realize that as I entered this field that there was a major change, or to be dramatic, a revolution in the world of libraries. I have no objection to the ideas presented in this textbook. In fact, I'm glad that my lack of experience in the library field means that I don't have to be "retaught"; I have a fresh start.

I'm glad Lankes connects Library Science to other fields. As an English major I figured that I would do well in Library Science. But it's more than a love of books (or artifacts). A really good point was made that not only does my specialized degree in humanities provide me with a strength in analyzing texts, but humanities has provided me with a way of seeing society as a large conversation and it helps me to understand the importance of social compacts (176). That's why it's so great to have a diversity of knowledge in the library field. So many people can offer multiple conversations and they can become valuable resources in the library.

The Atlas is a great text for new librarians to read. However, because of its inspirational nature, it definitely has me itching to get into the nitty-gritty of library skills so that I can use my unique individual skills to impact whatever library and community I work with in the future.