The Librarian

When I worked for the Air Force, the director of the base library was known as the Base Librarian, not the library director, or director of the library (somewhat passive titles - where the position seems to modify the institution). When the Minnesota State Librarian was hired, she re-claimed that unique title that had been lost with the annihilation of the Minnesota State Library.

I like this acclamation – that there is a person in charge of all those things associated with the collective knowledge of the community the library serves. Sort of like the “Sheriff” of a county – not the director of the sheriff’s department, but the “Sheriff”. All the law enforcement personnel who support the work of that department are known as “deputies”.

So, let’s have the “city librarian” -- a position to take their place with other important utilities, like superintendent of public works, fire marshal, chief of police, or city attorney.