Attack of the Unlibrarian











8 thoughts on “Attack of the Unlibrarian

  1. Hmm, any more details on this, like actual names and such? Because, frankly, it sounds rather unlikely and would also come under federal laws about preservation governed by the NLA (where I worked for a number of years) and, well, it also sounds implausible that this came from a librarian in charge rather than anyone else in charge …


    1. I cannot, without exposing myself to defamation suits, say anything more. I can’t even point in the direction of the university concerned. Australian law requires that potentially defamatory statements pass strict tests for public interest. It should be covered by fair comment provisions and the fact that corporations with 10 or more staff cannot sue, but I can’t say this with confidence. Also, I wish to protect my source from victimisation as a whistle blower. However, what I was told is what I say above.


  2. Michael Barton wrote about what happens to ‘withdrawn’ library books a couple of years back.

    Personally, I am still incensed about what they did to my local public library recently. A more charming, friendly building you could not hope to come across. But the library itself was on an upper floor, which created problems regarding disabled access (even though there was a stair-lift). The council’s solution: spend millions renovating the library, including the installation of a lift and a coffee shop. The result: about half the number of books there used to be. And all the ones I am likely to want to read are in locked glass cases.


  3. If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with a “there will be no books in libraries” on his lips should be boiled with his own Kindle and buried with a stake of calves’ leather binding through his heart.


  4. No words of wisdom I’m afraid, just let me register my vote of utter disgust at your present situation. This is totally unacceptable. I’m sorry for you.
    Best of luck,


  5. As the son of a librarian and the collector of books that I will never actually “read” as such, just pick them up and leaf through them, I am appalled at the callous attitude. Books! They hold information, They hold enjoyment. They hold a tactile sensation that I can never replace with my nook. I am appalled that entire collections that can’t be replaced were treated like facts at Fox News.

    My lottery dream is to have a soup, beer and book shop because BOOKS!


Leave a Reply