Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 12-2018
Abstract
This paper explores the representation of librarians within two popular types of online imagery: stock photographs and memes. While the representation of librarians in popular media has been explored before, these particular media have not and are distinct in that they are often created by amateurs with little professional editorial mediation. This study builds upon Seale’s librarian archetypes and Attebury’s revisions in order to compare these new medias to traditional depictions of the profession. It is found that the image of an Old Maid librarian is waning and librarians are generally presented in a positive light. Some traditional markers yet remain, such as glasses and books.