Librarian litmus test

We can't guarantee the results of this test, but hope at the very least you have some fun!

(Note to Production Services:  Ideally user clicks on yes or no for each question with the text in italics appearing after the selection along with an updated points score.)

1. Do you own a cat?

Yes (5 points) - Great! It's not clear when the association between librarians and cats began, but it is not a requirement to join the profession. Although a person might wonder to look at the Library Cats website!

No (5 points) - No problem! It's not clear when the association between librarians and cats began, but it is not a requirement to join the profession. Although a person might wonder to look at the Library Cats website!

2. Do you like to read?

Yes (5 points) - It's true that much of the purpose of a library revolves around reading. Librarians aren't required to read a given number of books per day, but the best librarians who work in what we call "readers advisory" are familiar with a wide variety of authors and titles. And, while it may appear that the librarian at the desk is reading the latest best seller, it's more likely that the person is making a collection decision, e.g., do we keep this book, where does it belong in the collection.

No (0 points) - Although librarians are not required to read a given number books per day, and interest in reading is generally important for library work.

3. Are you working on, interested in, or have an undergraduate degree that your parents tell you will never land you a job?

Yes (5 points) - Great! If the library job you are interested in requires a master of library science degree, there are typically no restrictions on your field of study for the undergraduate degree!

No (5 points) - Great! If the library job you are interested in requires a master of library science degree, there are typically no restrictions on your field of study for the undergraduate degree!

4. If you work in a library do you have to know "everything?"

Yes (0 points) - Wrong! While librarians make notoriously good Jeopardy! players, they are experts at knowing where to find and how to evaluate answers, not knowing all of the answers.

No (5 points) - Right! While librarians make notoriously good Jeopardy! players, they are experts at knowing where to find and how to evaluate answers, not knowing all of the answers.

5. Does a person have to be politically liberal to work in a library?

Yes (0 points) - Wrong! People who work in libraries need to check their personal politics at the door. A good library will carry materials that represent both sides of an issue. Libraries need to equally serve conservatives, liberals and everyone in between.

No (5 points) - Correct! People who work in libraries need to check their personal politics at the door. A good library will carry materials that represent both sides of an issue. Libraries need to equally serve conservatives, liberals and everyone in between.

6. Do you believe that everything people need to know can now be found on the internet?

Yes (0 points) - Ever do an internet search and find 30,000 answers when you only needed one? If you find a web page that says that Abraham Lincoln was the first president of the United States, is it true? Can the internet instill the joy of reading to a toddler? If libraries go away, where do all of the computer servers that host digitized local histories go?

No (5 points) - Very good. Although there seems to be no limit as to what can now be found on the internet with a simple search, the most accurate answers are still often maintained in scholarly journals, credible publications, and sometimes even in print!

How well did you score?

• 20 - 30 points; You're an excellent candidate - Proceed to Oh the places you'll go
   
• Under 20 points; Your score's not high, but this is not a scientific test. Consider visiting your local library or career counselor for more information.