From keepers of tablets to first responders in an infodemic

Science · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The librarian is far more than a keeper of books. This profession has evolved from ancient scribes organizing clay tablets into modern information architects who manage complex data systems, lead educational programs, and serve as critical public health assets during global crises.

Librarianship as a formal profession traces back to the 8th century BC in Mesopotamia. King Ashurbanipal of Assyria established a library at his palace in Nineveh, employing 'keepers of the books' to catalog thousands of tablets containing everything from astronomical calculations and mathematical tables to commercial records and laws. This era marked the transition from simple record-keeping by Sumerian clerks to organized information management where items were arranged logically by subject or type. The role underwent significant intellectual shifts during the Renaissance and the 16th century. Scholars like Gabriel Naudé published the first printed monographs on librarianship, advocating for 'universal' collections that included obscure and heretical texts. During this period, theorists like John Dury argued that librarians should be well-educated professionals deserving of a living wage, while Sir Thomas Bodley established what is considered the first functional modern library at Oxford in the 17th century.

In the modern era, the role has shifted from elite curation to democratic service. The French Revolution catalyzed the concept of public library services as a right for all citizens regardless of wealth. By the 20th century, the profession saw a massive demographic shift; while women entered the field in the 1870s, they comprised 80% of the workforce by 1960. Today, librarians act as 'information first responders,' such as the Librarian Reserve Corps formed during the COVID-19 pandemic to vet and disseminate over 60,000 publications for organizations like the World Health Organization.

The profession continues to adapt to technological shifts, moving from physical 'lectern systems' where books were chained to desks to managing digital content and virtual programs in a globalized information landscape.

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