Madam Librarian

[owlmoose]

So in my last post, I wondered why there are so many librarians in fandom, and suggested that I had some theories on why. Folks asked me to elaborate, so here are some random thoughts, in no particular order:

1. Librarians read. Okay, this is pretty much a statement of the obvious. More usefully, librarians are passionate consumers of media. Books, movies, television. Games admittedly less often, but I have known other gamer librarians, and games are gaining more traction in libraries all the time. Could that passion translate into a predilection for fannishness?

2. Librarians share content and information. This would seem to be a natural match for fandom, which is so much about sharing enthusiasm for content. Recommending books and films to people is a huge part of my job.

3. Librarians find each other. It's like belonging to a club, or a clan. Whenever I meet someone and discover that they're also a librarian, it's an instant bonding moment (just like in the comment thread that kicked this discussion off). So it may not actually be the case that there are more librarians in fandom; we just may be more likely to know that about each other.

Just some off-the-cuff suggestions. Any other ideas? Are there actually more librarians in fandom, or does it just seem that way?

Comments

It's a conspiracy.

[zen_monk]

Mayhaps librarian were always a secret order of fanfiction writers. You've just now discovered them.

And thus, they will seek you out to initiate you....

But no, I think that pretty dedicated fans would utilize information archives a lot more, whether it's online or in a library. Or bookstores. It could also be coincidence. Perhaps you may find a fandom where there are more bookstore employees than usual (or ex-bookstore employees).

Re: It's a conspiracy.

[owlmoose]

I don't think it's coincidence, although it's true that I haven't yet discovered a nest of librarians in DA fandom. But I've seen enough librarian types floating around fandom generally that I doubt this cluster is unique to Final Fantasy.

[sarasa_cat]

The relationship between "librarians as passionate consumers of media" and "joining fandom" just sort of seems obvious once a librarian becomes seriously passionate about a particular subset of media and fandom is defined by its passion for a particular slice of media.

The recommending part also goes hand in hand with fandom. Makes sense.

Perhaps there is also a predilection for info seeking too? Librarians need to stay on top of their area of speciality and ... fandom stays on top of fandom-related media????

So, I wonder when library science programs will start teaching courses on fandom, fandom archiving, and developing fandom folksonomies? :D

[owlmoose]

Perhaps there is also a predilection for info seeking too?

Definitely. I know that I got into the librarian gig largely through my love of research. Over on the LJ side, phoenixblaze left a comment that reminded me of how many academic types I see around fandom in general, and I would argue that most librarians are academics, even those who don't work in academic settings. So maybe something fits together there.

So, I wonder when library science programs will start teaching courses on fandom, fandom archiving, and developing fandom folksonomies? :D

Excellent question. ;) I know I certainly apply my librarian training when I think about such things.

[stealth_noodle]

I think librarians may also have an advantage in finding fandom spaces; if we're geekcited about something, we're well-equipped to go find out everything about it, including where the fan-created goodies are. And we're there, we are going to rec and share and pop into fic-researching posts to offer information. If we're creating fanworks, we're probably also a little more excited than average about keeping it organized and accessible.

And ha, it very well might just be that we're so good at finding other librarians that we seem to be more legion in fandom than we really are!

[owlmoose]

Totally; I agree with all of the above. Fandom needs libraries, or the equivalents thereof (archives, research materials, etc.), and in my experience, librarians tend to be attracted to the areas that need us. I know I, at least, have a very hard time leaving a question unanswered if I think I can help.

[liri]

My program actually offered a "Gaming and Libraries" course!

Part of it may be that librarians skew female, just like the fanfic-oriented branches of fandom do. I suspect I wouldn't have flushed out so many librarians if I'd said the same thing on a general gaming board.

[owlmoose]

I suspect I wouldn't have flushed out so many librarians if I'd said the same thing on a general gaming board.

For sure. I have shocked many a student at the school where I worked by letting on that I'm a gamer. ;) Now some of the regulars drop by the reference desk just to talk games with me!

Sadly, I graduated from library school a little too long ago to take any classes about gaming. I'd love to learn more about it now, though.