Praise of the Librarian | Bettyie

(Spitzweg, The Bookworm)

A DEFINITION FIRST:

Librarians are the caretakers and administrators of libraries. They are responsible for the professional cataloging of subject areas and the library's holdings, as well as for library management tasks. In providing access to the collection, a librarian's knowledge extends beyond simply knowing the location of media within their library; they also connect users with further sources [...] to which they would otherwise have no access. Librarians also often handle necessary public relations [...] and support the promotion of reading. (Source) Anyone who has ever attempted to delve deeper into a particular subject knows the indispensable role librarians play in research. Especially in times of information overload, when the era of proprietary knowledge locked away behind library doors is over and the diversity of opinions and non-binding information all too often obscures simple facts and sound research, there is a need for that one person who keeps track of the collection and reliably locates all references. A good librarian possesses such a comprehensive understanding and the ability to convey it—especially when they first have to promote their treasures to their reading patrons. Countless famous figures from social, literary, and political life were not only librarians by profession. The image of the librarian, as portrayed in film and literature, has been so frequently and stereotypically mystified that it is difficult to recall the job title objectively and in its true essence. Who isn't at least vaguely familiar with "The Librarian: Quest for the Spear," with Flynn, the protagonist, highly intellectual and academically completely overqualified, who, in search of temporary employment, is promoted to guardian of all the hidden treasures of world history? Of course, the countless examples of the cliché's use couldn't have escaped the attention of literary and media studies, and so, thirty years ago, a scholar (cited in this work) created a typology: The librarian cliché comprises the following characteristics: 1) Quiet 2) Mean or Stern 3) Single/Unmarried 4) Stuffy 5) In Glasses. (Kirkendall 1986, 40-2) The aspect of the slightly eccentric connects this more modern typology with Spitzweg's famous depiction of the bookworm. It is a loving interpretation of an age-old dilemma: the one between the banality of the physical and the luminous heights to which the human spirit is capable of soaring. (Source) In short, it means that the true library enthusiast often pays the price of foregoing the enrichment of many everyday moments. And he doesn't immediately win over the masses—despite, or perhaps precisely because of, his devotion and indispensability. Why is this text on an adoption blog? No, I haven't made a mistake with the address. Those familiar with the world of adoption have long recognized to whom this text is dedicated. An American adoption blog recently included him among the “Renegades of Adoption”: It's Arun Dohle. I know hardly any public figure who causes more controversy and irritation—and sometimes even hurt feelings. When I was just starting out as an adoptive mother, I was warned about him: “He’s extremely dangerous, and a crackpot!” The first part proved true for me, the second definitely not: Arun is extremely dangerous for anyone with something to hide. Otherwise, he is an inexhaustible source of knowledge for many, the inspiration behind countless documentaries in film and book form, and a source of support for adoptees searching for their children and families looking for their adoptees. His goal is to expose corruption and criminal activities that hide under the guise of the noble aims of adoption services. The passion with which he pursues this goal goes too far for some. It wasn’t always easy for me to understand him either. And we will probably never meet on common ideological ground. However, this doesn’t diminish my high regard in the slightest. What Arun truly deserves, not just public recognition but an award, is this: He is an archivist in the truest sense of the word. What I wish for him: Many people in government offices and institutions who make use of his knowledge; one or more organizations that employ him for what he has been doing for years free of charge. In the month in which the USA celebrates “National Adoption Awareness Month”, I would like to personally thank you: Arun, thank you for your work and for sharing your inexhaustible knowledge here with everyone who is looking for facts and reliably researched information on the topic of “International Adoptions”.
Arun Dohle