I think you’re more an archivist than a librarian,” he…
““I think you’re more an archivist than a librarian,” he said. He told me that archivists and librarians were opposite personas. True librarians are unsentimental. They’re pragmatic, concerned with the newest, cleanest, most popular books. Archivists, on the other hand, are only peripherally interested in what other people like, and much prefer the rare to the useful. ”They like everything,” he said, “gum wrappers as much as books.” He said this with a hint of disdain. ”Librarians like throwing away garbage to make space, but archivists,” he said, “they’re too crazy to throw anything out.” ”You’re right,” I said. ”I’m more of an archivist.” ”And I’m more of a librarian,” he said. ”Can we still be friends?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker contrasts librarians and archivists, noting librarians prioritize current, popular material while archivists cherish rare, peripheral items, revealing differing values toward information preservation.
In simple terms: Librarians focus on new popular books; archivists value rare items.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect different information roles.
Themes
information management
preservation
culture
valuation
identity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
critical
Type
comparative
explanatory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- library work
- archival projects
- curation decisions
Key Concepts
archival theory
library science
professional identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What biases influence your view of information roles?
- How can librarians and archivists collaborate?
A Different Perspective
Both roles are essential; overemphasis on one can limit access.