Katherine C. Adams suggests that:
Instead
of trying to eradicate examples of the old maid in popular culture, we
can choose to embrace it and make it our own. By redeploying the
signs that compose the stereotype (that is, the individual physical and
behavioral elements that make up the representation, such as sensible
shoes, tired-looking tweeds, a timid demeanor, or shushing noisy
patrons) we can work within and against the cultural discourses that
produced the stereotype in the first place. (24)
This concept was put into action recently
with the "Library
Action Figure" being released by Accoutrements in Seattle.
Based on real librarian Nancy Pearl the figure moves her finger in a
shushing motion. (25) Not all
librarians find the doll amusing and
believe it will only encourage the stereotype they are trying to
eradicate.(26)Librarians have to enter the profession with the mind to "sell themselves". Make it known that their talents are indispensable, which they are. Essentially, librarians must "[t]hink of new ways to market our services, our organization, and ourselves." (27).
If anyone doubts the value of being a librarian, have them read the following quote from O'Brien and Raish:
"Information usually equals knowledge, which then gives power." (28)
Who is responsible for finding and distributing information? The librarian.