Reel Librarians: The Stereotype and Technology

by Helms, Bari LeAnne

The issue of the stereotypical image of librarians in film is examined through a content analysis study of thirteen films spanning the years 1989-2005. The topic of the film image of librarians is reviewed, and then a checklist of categories is applied to the selected films to determine whether or not portrayals of librarians are changing as the profession evolves and becomes more closely aligned with information technology.

The results of the content analysis indicated that the traditional stereotype of librarians has evolved with respect to portrayals of librarians, but the depictions of the profession itself have remained relatively static.