Week 4

Dee Garrison, Apostles of Culture: The Public Librarian and American Society, 1876-1920, updated edition (Madison: UW Press, 2003)
The “Apostles of Culture” was an interesting read in that it presented the progression of library history in a manner of how and why of libraries and the American society. Dee Garrison split the book up nicely by beginning with an overview that focused on the 18oos and the elitists (men). They formed what we refer to as our profession. Is it a profession? Dee Garrison has attempted to prove to us (the readers) that it really isn’t a profession because women made it that way. If men were the librarians of the world, it would be a profession. Hmmmm, sounds similar to most “professions.” I don’t think librarians have been singled out, only in Dee Garrison’s mind. I don’t necessarily agree with her evolutionary research, though an interesting attempt.
She delves into, in great length, Melvil Dewey and his maniacal actions that made him so popular. And even goes so far as to name a chapter, “The Formation of a Savior.” Her characterizations of him are a careful examination of his accomplishments without saying what she truly thinks. He was basically a nut!
The part of the book that I found most enjoyable was the last section on “The Tender Technicians.” This really was interesting because it made me think of the profession, yes, I refer to it as a profession, of a nun. Most people wouldn’t think that being a nun was a profession either, but I do. They, nuns, play an important role in our society, as do librarians. I found that the life that Garrison described/s was/is very monastic. The profession really hasn’t changed much and the people that are a part of it are strong, intelligent, independent women. Sounds like a profession to me . . . what exactly is the definition of a profession, anyway? Women have always had a difficult time trying to prove themselves, hasn’t changed much even in the 21st century. People are afraid of women. People think that women belong in the kitchen (domesticity) and/or in the bedroom. I could take this all the way back to the middle Ages and prove just how afraid people are of women, but I digress. (Just a quick plug for Hillary . . . America is afraid of having a woman running the “Old Boy’s Club,” God forbid a woman should be in charge. We all want change . . . a woman would be a change!) Maybe someday people will understand!
Just makes ya think. .what’s the VALUE of it all?