Ode to Librarians

On 1/30/10, I wrote in praise of libraries. But what would libraries be without librarians? Whether at public libraries or at school or university libraries, those wonderful, extremely knowledgeable, very helpful people are the ones who -- among their many responsibilities -- order and keep track of the library's holdings and assist and educate library patrons in so many ways. Fortunately, old stereotypes about librarians seem to have faded somewhat, perhaps because of the increasing complexity of their jobs, including the ever-advancing technological possibilities and demands of the modern library. Some of my favorite people at the university where I teach are librarians. I'd like to send out special thanks to Joe G., who does such a great job teaching my students (as well as many other classes of students) library and research skills every semester. I hereby raise a virtual glass in a toast to Joe and all the other librarians at my university library, my local library, and all libraries everywhere!