Although Ive worked in a library for more than a dozen years, I did not go to graduate school for an advanced degree, and have no desire to foist myself off as a true professional. As my daughter just graduated from UCLA in Library Science, I admire the dedication it takes to do this. I LOOK like a real librarian, but its just a trick of the light.

It sounds like he is an author who works in a library. What is his job title? That's probably what he should be called, in addition to an author. Seems simple.

There are library workers who are better at it than accredited certified degreed librarians. There are library workers who are better for library users/customers/consumers to go to than so called librarians. For example in Massachusetts at our Cambridge and Boston public libraries there are library workers whose enthusiasm and expertise surpasses the so called professionals. Our cities' public libraries should be recast as teaching libraries much like the medical centers that are teaching hospitals. Teaching libraries where academic work can be studied on site for credit.

Norman, what about the librarians of the past? Are they to be disqualified because library schools didn't exist in ancient Alexandria or medieval Europe? Is Casanova any less a librarian because he didn't hold an MLS? Frankly, I think Borchert, given his experience, is just as much a librarian as those with special degrees.

Would you call a nurse "Doctor" because she/he works in a hospital and does a good job? Currently (not 1500 years ago) the title librarian is awarded to those who have completed the masters program. I think it is pretty simple. There is nothing degrading about being a library technician or assistant - both honorable titles.