Posted by By Alexandra Bark, Writer
You might believe a librarian to be an old, sweet-faced woman with big round glasses who passionately supports the Dewey Decimal system and doesn’t really understand new technology. In the past that archetype was likely true. But not today.
Now the modern librarians are savvy and versatile, constantly adapting to their changing environment and hurdling over ceaseless obstacles that barrel towards them. The librarians of today have our best interests in mind, actively fighting for a new world that works to support computer reliance, while still appreciating simpler, more papyrus-familiar traditions.
But people tend to push away more than they embrace, holding on to the notion that being a librarian is outdated. Too many believe that the librarian job will inevitably be tossed aside in place of faster and easier replacements. However, the need for librarians has never been greater.
The proof is in the pudding of Ms. Arkans’s lens, working as a librarian at New Paltz High School for 15+ years. Her experience on the faculty has allowed her to access a full cavern of understanding and perspective on the transformation of librarians. She has come to realize that “The job used to be to help you find the information, but now the job is: there’s too much information–how do I find the good stuff?”
The exposure to misinformation that Ms. Arkans’ speaks about stems from audiences not being able to accurately judge what they’re reading. This common flaw is so worrying because if you believe everything you see, it can too easily lead to unnecessary consequences.
With the 9th grade English department, The NPHS library works to boost digital literacy. Ms. Arkans independently travels to classes to teach sideways research, search terms, and general forethought before you blindly trust any source. These lessons have become increasingly necessary in recent years; blossoming with the rise of chromebooks and access to computers 24/7.
Arkans admits it’s been hard to figure out how to keep up at times, because things change so fast. Right now, her role is aiding students with Google and the right way to research, but she predicts the future of a librarian’s purpose will also be to provide comprehension on ChatGPT and Google’s new A.I, Bard. “The way that the A.I. works is that they don’t just search the web. They’re programmed to compile millions of pieces of data, and then they create an answer. But they don’t list sources, so how do you know if the information is valid? Librarians are going to have to help people figure out how to use these tools. Because they’re not just going to go away; we’re gonna have to adapt to them.”
Although the future is unpredictable and too easily concerning, Arkans stresses the comforting importance of honoring our literary past: real, physical books.
“Reading on your phone is reading, and I wouldn’t wanna discount that. But I do really think it’s a good experience to immerse yourself into a full novel. I think we’re kind of losing that ability,” Arkans reflects. “But I also understand I’m of another generation, so I want to respect what kids will bring.”
The Maroon 