To be shocked the librarian was so poorly read?

[bendmeoverbackwards]

In the library recently reserving some books for dd. Librarian had not heard of A Handmaid’s Tale and did not know that As you Like It was written by Shakespeare.

These are not exactly obscure books!

AIBU?

I'm not denigrating the knowledge of anyone.
I just find it difficult to believe that you can't conceive anyone not knowing a lesser known play as a 'worthy person'.

And proof of an Earl Grey drinking plumber doesn't prove you have to know classic literature to be intelligent.

My mother the nurse almost certainly wouldn't know it. It doesn't mean she's any less worthy than you, she just didn't have the opportunity to go to university. She's still the person you'd want around if you started choking on your own hypocrisy though.

Is it inevitably snobbery to care about this stuff? I do NOT mean with reference to That Play before that’s picked up again, but rather a more general interest in knowing things.

Is it at least theoretically possible to be concerned that we live in a culture that downplays the value of knowledge, or is voicing this always a telltale sign of someone wanting to give themselves a pat on the back for their own cleverness?

Obviously I don’t think so, but it’s such a constant accusation I’d like to understand if this really is what some posters are saying.

An example of anti-expertise in here is some of the coronavirus threads. Posters who confidently say what should and shouldn’t be done re variants, vaccinations, etc. Someone described the scientific advisers to the government as elitist. I think this is the scary result of failing to respect knowledge. All views equally valid, all knowledge equally valuable. And those threads give me no buzz of superiority because I know precisely no more about viruses than these posters. I just find their confidence in the face of a complete lack of qualification in the area alarming!

Libraries today bear little resemblance to those of 40 years ago and have had take the brunt of government cuts as easy targets for cash strapped councils. I do take offence from some commentators that library assistants are low level or must be lacking intelligence otherwise why would they be working for low pay? It's more likely that some libraries offer part time hours to fit in with children care.
When I first interviewed for a library assistant position back in the 70s you had to have at least 5 good '0' level grades including English Language, English Literature, Maths plus a Science and a Language. In those days adults and children borrowed loads of books.
30 years later I applied to work again with the public and the interview criteria emphasis was more on people skills, diffusing challenging & threatening situations, IT, problem solving but I still had to put a selection of fiction and non fiction books in order, be able to do mental arithmetic and answer a dozen author questions e.g. what genre does Martina Cole fit in?, where would you find Bertie Wooster and spell the author's surname.
So back to the OP question, I would be more shocked that the 'librarian' admitted to not knowing the answers when they could so easily wing it by checking the online catalogue. Oh, and for all those mentioning A/The, they're never used in a catalogue search😀

Is mums net still being used as a general dig at other females? Can't believe the sort of inane questions that are being asked to make oneself feel above others

Who hasn't evenheardof A Handmaid's Tale?

If you're going to be snooty about it the answer is everyone. The book is The Handmaid"s Tale

@QuestPerSay

Actually, think anyone who can't name the writer of As You Like It is an employment risk anywhere...

I'm as crashing a snob as one could hope (or fear) to find and even I'm taken aback at the crassness of that comment.

@SunnydaleClassProtector99

I do, however, recommended Rebecca of Sunnybrook farm if anyone hasn't read it. And then at least you'll have read one classic Rebecca.

well of course, you would, wouldn't you, with a name like yours. sounds much more cheerful anyhow. i've only seen the film of Rebecca, and thought the build-up was better than the actual point of the story. one thing i noticed on watching it a second time, is how the main character refers to his wife as a child, in an affectionate, protective way, telling her to wrap up on going outside in the cold. wouldn't do that today, i thought. guess i am more interested from a sociological point of view, and social history, in many books, rather than literary merits, or even the story at times.

@KeyboardWorriers

Most councils got rid of all their fabulous trained librarians and have replaced them with unskilled staff and / or volunteers.

Massive shame.

I bet the volunteers are well read too, don't diss them

I was a library assistant, I have 2 degrees and an MA and am extremely well read. I am also a volunteer

@QuestPerSay

I'm as crashing a snob as one could hope (or fear) to find and even I'm taken aback at the crassness of that comment.

Would you disagree with me that it's akin to not being able to name the last three prime ministers?

and of the many people who could not name the last 3 PMs- what ? are they unworthy of your cognisance ? one i know of has actually been materially effective in keeping alive a disabled neighbour here, who has complex medical needs. but the attentive and conscientious careworker has never heard of those books, or hardly any books of fiction; might be able to name the present PM, but not confidently. i know who i'd rather have looking after me, out of you or her.

I've just applied for a temporary job as a library assistant. The job advert stated "Having a broad knowledge and interest in books will be beneficial in this role." I bet I don't get the job (I've applied before) - even though I have heard of The Handmaid's Tale and know who wrote As You Like It !!!

I agree with posters who said someone working in a library can't be expected to know the name/author of every book, but those two are extremely well known and it would surprise me to find someone in a library who didn't know about at least one of them.

Well I'm clearly an ignoramus because loathing Shakespeare as I do since my experience of his work, while in school, was bloo*y boring, and not being a tv watcher, I wouldn't necessarily have recognised The Handmaid's Tale either. Although I would have known As You Like It was his. But as far as "literature" is concerned, for me you can stuff it where the sun don't shine - I also had to contend with The Mill On The Floss - nearly lost the will to live - give me a good paranormal romance/mystery, or urban fantasy for sheer escapism any day.

This thread has taken such a jolly turn! I didn’t realise Hyacinth Bucket’s actually existed! ‘MY plumber drinks Earl Grey and cannot abide builders tea’ Ha ha! Amazing, I really needed this this morning.

My friend has two degrees and a PhD and always drinks Tetley, how vulgar.

Is mums net still being used as a general dig at other females? Can't believe the sort of inane questions that are being asked to make oneself feel above others

CaptainOatFlosser
It's the thread that keeps on giving.

It's another world here.

Most people in life: They hadn't heard of Text A. Oh well, they can look it up. It's probably not their sort of book. They'll probably know others areas

Some Mummetters: How depressing. I just can't believe that people don't know X Y Z. Surely everyone has heard of them! So what if they are well read in other areas, they ought to know the texts I consider important. No belittling here though. It's simply worrying that nobody appreciates knowledge or bookthese days. What do you mean you think some of us are being snobby? What a sad day for society when nobody values books or knowledge or learning

It's not a lesser known play.
Perhaps, but I doubt many people will think of it, or immediately associate it with Shakespeare

@LolaSmiles

CaptainOatFlosser It's the thread that keeps on giving.

It's another world here.

Most people in life: They hadn't heard of Text A. Oh well, they can look it up. It's probably not their sort of book. They'll probably know others areas

Some Mummetters: How depressing. I just can't believe that people don't know X Y Z. Surely everyone has heard of them! So what if they are well read in other areas, they ought to know the texts I consider important. No belittling here though. It's simply worrying that nobody appreciates knowledge or bookthese days. What do you mean you think some of us are being snobby? What a sad day for society when nobody values books or knowledge or learning

Beautifully summed up there

@QuestPerSay

I'm as crashing a snob as one could hope (or fear) to find and even I'm taken aback at the crassness of that comment.

Would you disagree with me that it's akin to not being able to name the last three prime ministers?

No. I would not.

One of my friends is a plumber. He's from originally from Poland, likes Earl Grey Tea (and is offended when people assume he likes 'builders tea') and is more well versed in Foucault, Nietzsche, Tolstoy and various others than most people, including me

What is this?!

This actually made me cringe.

I am so embarrassed for you (and your plumber friend).

@QuestPerSay

Ooo aren't you edgy.

Eh?

Saying stuff that is clearly ridiculous to get a reaction.

"If you'd want to employ someone who couldn't do that - crack on, someone needs to employ them. For me? Hell no."

Yeah, that's not totally designed to get a rise out of people.