The librarians are called teachers of their teachers for their contribution to society. Yet why are they not getting their dignity at present? Is the attitude of the people of the society responsible for the same reasons or the librarians are not able to make their proper contribution to the society?
Apu Mondal The dignity and honor of the library profession are gradually decreasing due to several factors, including:
1. Digitalization & AI Replacing Traditional Roles
With AI-driven search engines, e-libraries, and automated cataloging, many perceive librarians as less essential, reducing the profession’s visibility and value.
2. Declining Library Budgets & Resources
Many governments and institutions are cutting library funding, leading to fewer job opportunities, outdated resources, and limited professional growth.
3. Changing Information Consumption Patterns
People now rely more on Google, Wikipedia, and AI tools for information rather than consulting library professionals, reducing direct engagement with librarians.
4. Misconceptions About the Profession
Librarians are often seen as bookkeepers rather than knowledge facilitators, leading to a lack of recognition for their expertise in research, digital literacy, and information management.
5. Lack of Institutional Support & Career Growth
Unlike other academic professions, librarianship often lacks clear career progression and competitive salaries, making it less attractive to young professionals.
6. Closure of Physical Libraries
With the rise of e-books, digital archives, and remote access, many traditional libraries are shrinking or shutting down, further reducing the profession’s influence.
7. Limited Awareness of Modern Librarianship
Many people are unaware that modern librarians play a crucial role in data management, digital curation, cybersecurity, and academic research, leading to undervaluation of their contributions.
How to Restore the Dignity of the Library Profession?
- Redefining librarianship as a tech-savvy, research-driven profession.
- Integrating AI and digital literacy training into library services.
- Advocating for better funding and policy support.
- Publicizing the role of librarians in combating misinformation and guiding credible research.
- Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration with technology, education, and business sectors.
By modernizing and promoting the evolving role of librarians, their dignity and relevance can be revitalized in the digital era.
The main reason is profound ignorance based on the utterly false beliefs that everything you need to know is on Google or can be supplied by AI. There is a failure to recognize that navigating the information world intelligently is not easy, that most of us lack the skills to do it well, and that librarians provide a vital service by serving a s a nexus between the seeker and the best information they can find. Ritu Sharma: Good answer
Apu Mondal, Thank you for raising this important topic. I would like to add one more perspective.
In my opinion, one more factor contributing to the decreasing dignity of the library profession is the lack of public awareness about the role of libraries in digital cultural heritage and information literacy. In many countries, libraries play a crucial role in preserving national history through digitisation projects and educating citizens on how to navigate misinformation and fake news. However, these activities are often invisible to the general public.
In the Czech Republic, for example, national projects such as Kramerius or Manuscriptorium provide open access to historical documents; however, many people still perceive libraries primarily as places for borrowing books.
Raising awareness about these modern roles could help increase respect for librarians and demonstrate their vital contribution to society.
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