Too Cool For School
It seems librariansat least librarians in hipper-than-thou Williamsburgare getting a little [tired of their un-cool, bun-wearing, finger-hushing rep]. In an effort to change perceptions, a group of bibliophiles, including archivists, publishers, illustrators and librarians has come together to create Desk Set, an organization that throws ruckus dance parties and other stereotype-challenging events.
Group founders Maria Falgoust and Sarah Murphy held their first event last April. At their Memorial Day dance party, partygoers sipped Dewey Decimal-numbered cocktails along with other beverages inspired by the favorites of literary greats. The group gets its name from the [1957 Katherine Hepburn and Spenser Tracey flick] that features you guessed it! Librarians.
Its just nice for professional groups to have a social context. Librarians tend to be very identified with our work, but often times, in our jobs, were not really so connected locally, explained Jenna Freedman, a Desk Set Librarian who works as Coordinator of Reference Services and a zine librarian at the Barnard College Library.
Freedman hasnt been to a Desk Set bash yet, but said that the group has an important role to play in changing the publics perceptions of the profession. Like most Librarians, Im just annoyed by and sick of all the shush and Dewey Decimal comments. They just get a little irritating after a while. Its important for our image to reflect who we are, because we want the library itself to be attractive, we want being a librarian to be attractive, she explained. Generally, we dont give a shit if you have a library book due. Just give us any excuse, it doesnt even have to be a good one, and we wont charge. Were generally much more about helping you find something and doing extensive Internet research. I think thats why we care so much about getting rid of this old lady with a bun and cardigan reputation, she said. Now thats one cool librarian.
Photo courtesy of [L. Marie on Flickr ]