Librarians represent fears we have of institutions. People are afraid of libraries and librarians. The media likens libraries to crypts, catacombs and labyrinths. Those who dare walk through those massive doors are subject to getting lost. They need the expertise and direction of the librarian.
Librarians control their domain.
They maintain order and control. Librarians are keepers of knowledge. They stand at the threshold between order and chaos. They don't want to appear foolish. Even some professors at my institution refrain from using the library for fear a student may observe them not in control.