Who else but the librarian knows where to find that elusive volume for the child who simply must do her project on the fire-bellied newt. Then there is the ritual spilling of the card catalogue drawer. Who but a librarian could smile through that ceremony. So many things in schools and libraries have changed. The feeling is the same but the furnishings have been shifted around.
Some card catalogues are now electronic and therefore unspillable.
To think that if the mood strikes you, it is possible to print out every word of Alice in Wonderland . I have made a solemn vow to the parents of the children in my class never to reveal that information. What amazing doors modems and search engines have opened. They are the perfect outlet for the writer who has insomnia. A great deal of the midnight research I do for projects is on the Web these days.