More Comments About the Librarian Action Figure
Another librarian is speaking out about the stereotypical nature of the librarian action figure, according to the ResourceShelf. While I was having drinks with a library school classmate of mine in town for a conference, he observed that the librarian’s/action figure’s hair cut is actually quite modern, whether people think it is or not. After reflecting on this librarian’s column, I can’t help thinking how modern the doll seems. I have to admit that I’m not that familiar with how the stereotypical librarian has changed through the ages (though I’m sure someone out there has researched the history of the librarian stereotype), but I wonder if the doll styled as it is would have seemed as stereotypical as it does had it been on the market 10, 20, or even 30 years ago. How did librarians dress then? What about librarians in the 1940s? When high heels and red lipstick were in fashion, did the stereotype picture librarians in comfortable shoes? It may be difficult to tell on the doll, but the clothes she is wearing are fashionable: long skirt, coordinating long jacket, and flats.
Yeah, maybe a cape and exaggerated muscles would have been more appealing on some level, but not very realistic.
