Until now, there are still misconception what really a librarianship is all about and what are the important roles the librarians are playing.I want to share a beautiful poem about a librarian written by Marcial R. Batiancila. I hope this poem will somehow change the concepts of others on how they treat librarians.
THE LIBRARIAN
by Marcial R. Batiancila
Love of books conquers his life; He makes a journey from fantasy worlds
Through humanity across generations;
Witnesses the development of civilizations,
cultures and traditions.
In the midst of an information explosion;
He is able to handle conflicting situations;
Has knowledge on generalities-
Goes beyond philosophy, history and geography.
Better known as an information specialist;
A friend for the lover of wisdom;
Criticized, ridiculed by many-
But a primary catalyst in the building of new dreams.
Resourceful and eager to assist customers in need;
With creativity and initiative in solving customers queries;
He seems to be nothing-
But a model to humanity.
According to him, he can’t live without books.
For books is his source of power and might;
He answers the same old question everyday;
With familiarity, he answers it confidently.
A research-oriented mind, he has;
Bursting for knowledge and wisdom;
Treasures the wisdom of before-
And takes delight in the work of present day generations.
Information is power, he said;
He keeps himself aware of current trends;
From manual work to computer automation.
New innovation is what he loves most.
He acquired the right books-
For the right reader at the right time;
Catalogs and classifies according to Dewey’s device;
This made him think, I am an information analyst.
Not merely an information keeper;
But a gateway to the world of knowledge;
Dispensing tools for empowerment;
And making this world so wonderful.
[This piece was published in Panorama Magazine : a TakingITGlobal Online Publication on March 31, 2007]
