A-Z Blog Challenge Topic: Librarians, Beyond the Stereotypes
A common belief in the general public, especially in North America, is that librarians have the following characteristics or stereotypes:
1) Quiet
2) Mean or Stern
3) Single/Unmarried
4) Stuffy
5) In Glasses
Like the definition for “fangirl” that I mentioned in a previous post, a “librarian” can have many different characteristics than the stereotypes listed above. There are many of those who are educated in the library sciences, both male and female, that can label themselves as “librarians”, even if they never worked in a library for one reason or another. I am one of those who were educated in the library sciences, but have not been fortunate enough to work in a traditional library setting. This is part of the reason I created this blog, I wanted to go beyond the stereotypes, not only in my fandom, but in my chosen profession as well. Therefore, as a self-proclaimed fangirl, I am always on the lookout for fictional characters that go beyond these stereotypes including those that can save the world. Fortunately, there are several of these fictional “librarians” including:
Name: Barbara Gordon aka “Batgirl“
From: Batman Franchise
Characteristics: Has a PhD in Library Science, fights crime, has exceptional computer skills and may have glasses, but only uses it as part of her every day disguise.
Name: Yomiko Readman aka “The Paper”
From: Read or Die Franchise
Characteristics: Can bend and manipulate paper into a variety of shapes including bulletproof shields and durable weapons. She is obsessed with books, but also fights evil and saves the world.
Name: Rupert Giles aka “Watcher”
From: Buffy The Vampire Slayer Franchise
Characteristics: Not only a male school librarian, but has a side job training and fighting with Buffy Summers, The Slayer, against many evil creatures who want to destroy the world!
Name: Flynn Carsen aka “The Librarian”
From: The Librarian TV Movie Franchise
Characteristics: Another male librarian, who is an awesome translator, a keeper and acquirer of ancient artifacts and can fight the bad guys like Indiana Jones!
Name: Jedi Master Jocasta Nu
From: Star Wars Franchise
Characteristics: She may be the closest to the stereotype when she appeared in Star Wars: Episode II, but when she appeared in Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV Series she is seen wielding a lightsaber!
