Some Day I’ll Be a Librarian
Splaver
1967
Submitter: This gem is still on-shelf at [University], where I attended library school. The writing is pretty good overall, but it was the text on page 16 that first had me howling — the kids at the library each *happen* to come across a wonderful book that just *happens* to be written by Sarah Splaver. What a coincidence!
The fact that the tech services librarians have personalities that are “quite different” from the public service staff — such as the “pleasant, enthusiastic” children’s librarian — made me imagine surly catalogers and scowling acquisitions staff hiding out in the back offices.
I was happy to see diversity in the images of this book! Given that it was published in 1967, I wasn’t expecting that. On the other hand, the chapter “Were Men Meant for Librarianship” emphasizes that men are especially wanted for TOP JOBS and administrative positions. ‘Cause none of the ladies are best suited for that, apparently.
The photograph that had me gaping in disbelief was the one featuring the music librarian… as she helps a patron who has a pipe in his mouth!
Holly: The kids in these pictures are about to retire from their librarian careers!
Awful Library Books 