Do Librarians Read All of Their Books?

As a school librarian, I am often included in discussions regarding the reading habits of my colleagues. One common question that arises is whether librarians read all of the books in their collection. The answer is far more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

Every school librarian I know includes me in these conversations, and it's important for us to stay aware of our students' interests so that we can order books accordingly. We also enjoy reading diversity books, which go beyond mere pleasure reading. This piece aims to explore the extent to which librarians read, especially in the context of their professional duties and personal interests.

The Extent of Librarian Reading

Librarians are indeed book-loving humans, often purchasing more books than they can read in a given time. However, it's rare for a librarian to read every book in their library. For instance, classics like '50 Shades of Grey' would likely not be read in full, but rather examined for other purposes.

Many librarians would say that they read a lot but not necessarily more than an average avid reader. They often skim many books in order to recommend them to other readers. A survey of librarians might reveal that they read daily, with one or two books in progress at any given time.

Librarian Reading Roles

The amount of reading librarians do during office hours varies significantly depending on their specific roles. Here are some examples:

Acquisition Librarians

Acquisition librarians play a crucial role in selecting books for their library. They evaluate incoming books for approval and choose material that aligns with their organization's needs. This often involves a more thorough reading, but it is still selective.

School Librarians

School librarians in charge of circulating books to children need to ensure that the books are age-appropriate and relevant. This often involves reading shorter works or sample chapters to determine suitability.

Research Librarians

Librarians tasked with collecting information for projects typically read extensively and may explore multiple books in depth. Their work often requires a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

SDI Librarians

Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) librarians, who focus on targeted information delivery, also read extensively but in more targeted and strategic ways, often focusing on specific topics or databases.

The Complex World of Librarian Reading

Graphic novels, in particular, take longer to process than novels with the same page count due to their visual and narrative complexities. Consequently, librarians may read fewer graphic novels compared to other genres. Non-fiction books, while of great interest, are often read in fragments rather than from cover to cover.

The non-fiction book report assignment, for many students, remains challenging due to the fragmented reading approach required. Librarians often find themselves arguing for this method, explaining that a deep understanding of the subject can be achieved through selective reading.

Librarians' love for diverse genres and formats often leads them to explore not just popular books but also those that catch their interest. This variety in reading ensures a comprehensive understanding of the literary landscape and enables them to better serve their patrons.

In conclusion, while librarians are undoubtedly passionate readers, they don't read all of their books. Their reading habits are influenced by their professional roles and the needs of their readers. Whether it's acquisition, circulation, research, or targeted information delivery, librarians balance extensive reading with strategic skimming and selective engagement.