Category Archives: Academic librarian

In the Bloomington stacks

I have a confession to make. I often watch films set on college campuses in hopes of spying a library and/or librarian. Academia = research = libraries, right? ;) Sometimes it works out (2002′s Abandon), and sometimes it doesn’t (see 1952′s She’s Working Her Way Through College). And the gamble did indeed pay off while watching the award-winning indie film Bloomington (2010) recently through Hulu.

*SPOILER ALERT*

The film, ostensibly set at the University of Indiana in the city of Bloomington, is a coming-of-age drama about a young woman, a former child actress on a hit TV show, who attends college in order to have a normal life. In her first semester, Jackie (Sarah Stouffer) falls in love with a female psychology professor, Catherine (Allison McAtee) – but also gets a chance to return to Hollywood. What will she choose?

BloomingtonLibraryStacks

The two central characters, Jackie (left) and Catherine (right), having a quiet (!) moment in the library

There are two scenes set in the college library, the first clocking in a little over a half-hour into the movie. There are several examples on my Master List of films that include sexy scenes set in libraries (see 1994′s Threesome, for example) — the same juxtaposition of sexy and serious underlies the Naughty Librarian character type, as well. And this is definitely a sexy scene,  albeit a short one rooted in the psychological “reversal of self-denial” theory. When Jackie comes across Catherine working on a scholarly article in a quiet space in the library, Catherine tries out her theory. The library as a place known for keeping quiet is the key to this scene.

Catherine:  So I figure if you’re so darn quiet when you don’t have to be [while making love in the privacy of Catherine's home], let’s see how quiet you can be when you absolutely have to. [leaning in to kiss Jackie]

Jackie:  Are you nuts? Stop.

Catherine:  Hold on to the desk. Trust me, you’re going to need it. Shhh, quiet.

They both stop short when they hear a sound (a pen dropping in surprise?), and Catherine flashes a mischievous grin.

Cured.

But things take a turn for the melodramatic when Hollywood beckons Jackie back, and Catherine’s and Jackie’s love affair is discovered. Turns out, professors aren’t supposed to sleep with their students, no matter their sexuality.

Side note:  Pay attention to those student and faculty manuals, y’all.

BloomingtonLibraryAttendantCloseup

At this point, I was thinking this would end up a Class V film — a library, but no sight of a librarian — but almost at the end of the film, there’s another library scene! As Jackie is preparing to leave Bloomington at the end of the spring semester, she brings in a huge stack of books into the library and up to the front counter.

The library attendant — most likely a student library worker — is quite young, with long blonde hair and a stylish white jacket. She is played by Megan Martz, seen at right.

Library Attendant:  Check out?

Jackie:  No, returning actually. I just want to make sure I’m not missing any.

And while this friendly library attendant is busy checking — and my heart sang at this small scene highlighting that yes, one must return one’s library books at the end of a semester! — Catherine enters the frame. She leans over the library counter to ask the clerk a question.

Catherine:  Hi, is the May edition of the journal in yet?

Library Attendant:  Give me one sec.

Catherine and Jackie catch up, as they are both leaving at the end of the term. The stack of books served as a framing device to separate the two ex-lovers, with the tall stack literally creating a barrier between the two. But as the clerk dismantles the stack, as seen below, the distance between them ceases.

What goes up must come down...

What goes up must come down…

Down come the walls of Jericho...

Down come the walls of Jericho…

Finally, the library attendant comes back with Catherine’s article. (By the way, don’t you love how this article links back to the earlier scene in the library, in which Catherine is writing said article?! :) )

Library Attendant:  Stark? One May edition of the Journal of Applied Psychology.

[Yes, that's a real journal. It's published by the American Psychological Association. I didn't even have to look that up! I work with psychology journals all the time.]

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And with a big, bright smile, the library attendant walks away, out of the frame and out of the picture, leaving behind a Class IV portrayal of a young, helpful Information Provider.

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Criminal law librarian

In the 1988 legal thriller Criminal Law, Gary Oldman is almost unrecognizably bland as lawyer Ben Chase. After successfully defending a wealthy client, Martin (Kevin Bacon), against a murder charge, Ben finds out that Martin is, indeed, guilty. Oops. What’s a hotshot lawyer to do? Get drunk and pass out in your living room? Check! Reveal top-secret details of the crime by shouting on the street at a victim’s roommate? Check! Violate ethical codes by working with a police officer against his client? Check!

No doubt troubled by all his ethical violations, Ben goes his alma mater’s law library to talk to an old professor. Occurring a little over a half hour into the film, the camera pans around the double-decker library, lingering over statues and rows and rows of volumes. The light streaming in all the windows is quite atmospheric, doing its best to add some drama to this drama.

CriminalLawLibrary

Rounding a corner, Ben finds his old professor, Clemens (Michael Sinelnikoff), sitting on a library ladder and decked out in a long, grey cardigan. An older lady (Irene Kessler) is handing him thick volumes and helping him shelve books. At first glance, it’s hard to tell which is the librarian! :)

Note: That’s when credits really help out, as Irene Kessler’s role is listed as “Librarian Peggy” (ding ding ding, we have a winner!).

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Professor Clemens calls out from atop the ladder:

Ben, here, give me a hand? And we’ll let Peggy get back to work.

Peggy:  He’s a hard master.

Ben: You’re telling me.

Peggy, also decked out in a long cardigan, then disappears down a back staircase. Onscreen for only a few seconds, she joins the Class IV category of librarians. Although we hardly see Librarian Peggy, it’s obvious she has a warm rapport with both the professor and former student.

CriminalLawLibrary2

And based on the subsequent conversation (Ben to the professor, “You’re giving these away? Your collection of quotations?”), the professor has donated his collection to the law library. Later, we find out why, when Ben visits Professor Clemens in the hospital, who is quote-worthy and optimistic even on his deathbed.

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A Junior librarian

Hi, y’all! I’m back from vacation, and a huge thanks to Colin @ Libraries at the Movies, Beth @ Beautiful Libraries, Tom Goodfellow, and Bob @ Cinfolit for their guest posts! Along with you, dear reader, I really enjoyed reading a fresh perspective on related library and librarian topics.

And I hope everyone had a great (and relaxed) Labor Day. And speaking of labor…  let’s ease back into things with the (s)light comedy Junior (1994).

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Dr. Alex Hesse, a research scientist who becomes the test subject for his latest fertility drug. And if the poster (see left) isn’t obvious enough, he becomes the world’s first pregnant man! Years ahead of its time, this movie. ;)

I had remembered seeing this film in theaters back when it was released, and since it was available for free through our On Demand service, I convinced my husband to watch it one night. And lo and behold, a library scene greeted us over the opening credits!

The camera begins panning over rows of library shelves, where we spy a librarian walking past in a flash. How do we know this is a librarian? Because she’s pushing a cart of books, of course! (See my post on library duties and qualifications here.) Although only a two-second cameo for the librarian, the library scene continues.

In the next row of library books, the camera zooms in on Dr. Alex (Schwarzenegger), who suddenly hears a baby crying. He comes out of the stacks — out of the Physiology reference section, just to be thorough — and goes up to the central Circulation desk, where a baby just happens to be hanging out on the counter. Neither the baby nor Dr. Alex seem happy about this situation.

Dr. Alex’s reaction? Panic.

Hello? There’s a baby here. There’s got to be a mother. Hello? There’s a baby. Help! Hello? Anybody here?

He picks up the baby, who tinkles all over the library carpet, and carries him (?) through the library, most likely on the lookout for the librarian who had passed by 30 seconds earlier. Then as his panic escalates, along with the number of babies, we see Dr. Alex wake up in bed.

Whew, just a dream. Or rather, a nightmare. He’s safe. Especially with that thick book to protect his chest. ;)

This opening scene, a clever way to set the tone and central conflict of this movie, features an interesting contrast. It is both the presence of the baby and the absence of the librarian that add to this nightmare. No librarian = loss of order and control. In other words, CHAOS.

The librarian in this Class IV film serves as an Information Provider, reinforcing the library setting. And while the librarian gets no listing in the credits, the library baby (played by twins) does.

Here’s the film’s original theatrical trailer:

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Is reading a spectator sport? Librarians in sports movies

The Olympics have begun! Oh, you haven’t heard? ;) I ♥ me some Olympics, so that got me thinking about any sports movies featuring reel librarians. Are there any?

Of course!

Major League (1989)

The flag-bearer in this procession goes to reel librarian Lynn Wells in Major League (1989). Rene Russo plays Lynn, a former swimmer — and alternate for the ’80 Olympics in the 200 individual medley, no less! — and ex-wife of baseball catcher Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger). After her athletic career, she turned to librarianship (a natural progression), and “in two years, [...] put together one of the best special collections in the country.” Of course. :)

Lynn in Major League (1989) is the only example I’ve been able to find so far of a reel librarian who is also an athlete. But there are a few additional examples of major characters and athletes who fall in love with librarians. Of course. :)

Good News (1947)

First up is 1947 musical Good News, starring college football hero Tommy (Lawford), who falls for fellow student and college library assistant Connie (June Allyson). You can check out their Meet Cute moment and duet sung in the library by clicking here.

Love Story (1970)

In Love Story (1970), Harvard law student and jock Oliver (Ryan O’Neal) falls in love with Jennifer, a Radcliffe music major (Ali MacGraw). The opening scene features their first encounter, set at the Radcliffe library where MacGraw works as a library assistant.

Movie Movie (1978)

The 1978 film Movie Movie is made up of a twin bill of 1930s spoofs, including the boxing-themed “Dynamite Hands.” Delivery boy Joey (Harry Hamlin) becomes a boxing success, supported by Betsy (Trish Van Devere), his loyal girlfriend who works at the New York Public Library.

Rudy (1993)

The quintessential underdog, feel-good sports movie has got to be Rudy (1993), starring Sean Astin as the title character, a below-average student with no natural athletic ability. Nevertheless, he has the determination and spirit to join the Notre Dame football team. In one scene, a kindly librarian (Marie Anspaugh) wakes Rudy up after a study marathon in the college library.

Finding Forrester (2000)

In Finding Forrester (2000), reclusive author (Sean Connery) becomes a mentor to a young African-American writing prodigy, Jamal (Rob Brown), who also happens to be a standout basketball player. In one brief scene, Jamal visits the library, where we see a reel librarian cameo (Sophia Wu).

Bookies (2003)

A negative side of sports is shown in Bookies (2003), in which three college roommates set up a bookmaking business in their dorm room. Jude (Johnny Galecki) works as a student library worker, using the library as the drop-off spot in their bookmaking scheme. (Sigh.)

Murder at the Gallop (1963)

Murder at the Gallop (1963) is set amidst a backdrop of horse racing at an English country estate. Stringer Davis plays his usual role of village librarian and sidekick in this entry of the Margaret Rutherford-as-Miss Marple series.

Rollerball (1975)

In Rollerball (1975), Jonathan (James Caan) is the star of the ultra-violent sport Rollerball. He rebels against the corporate rulers, which involves two library scenes. Unfortunately, the librarians are less than useless in this dystopian future.

Billy Elliot (2000)

And last but not least, Jamie Bell stars as title character Billy Elliot (2000), who wants to become a ballet dancer even though his family expects him to be interested in boxing and become a miner. In one short scene, Billy steals a book from a library bookmobile  because the stern librarian (Carol McGuigan) won’t let him check it out on a junior ticket.

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Incident at Dark River

It’s often quite difficult to get copies of TV movies, so I was glad to come across Incident at Dark River (TV, 1989) on my cable’s On Demand listings. And is it just me, or does the alternate title, Dark River: A Father’s Revenge and the corresponding cover make this (rather tame) TV movie look more like a slasher flick?!

Starring veteran TV actors Mike Farrell, Tess Harper, and a young Helen Hunt (!), it tells the story of a father, Tim McFall (Farrell), mourning the sudden death of his daughter. He sets out to investigate and finds out his daughter’s death was caused by toxic waste dumped in the river by the local manufacturing factory, which also happens to be the town’s biggest employer.

About a half hour in, the camera closes in on the the father’s hand as he rifles through a card catalog. Remember those? Ah, good times. Tim’s a college professor, so he’s most likely at the college library. He takes a file drawer to his table, which is scattered with various thick volumes, and he scribbles something down.

The interior of the library is quite dimly lit, with large white poles, fluorescent lights, and rows of tightly arranged bookshelves (see below). Is the dark lighting reflective of the father’s despair, or is it just the low budget showing its seams? I was not quick-witted enough to take note of the credits at the time of viewing (and the TV movie has since disappeared from my On Demand listings), but I did manage to track down online the TV movie’s filming location:  Weber County and its county seat, Ogden. I’m not sure of the exact location used for the university scenes, but the most likely candidate is Weber State University.

So after scribbling down some notes, the father rises from the library table. In this long shot, we can see a long table in the forefront, with a computer keyboard and monitor. We are then introduced to the back of the librarian. This is a common way to introduce a reel librarian (see my post about The Good Companions), as it visually deemphasizes the librarian in a supporting role.

The unnamed librarian (Michaela Nelligan) is a middle-aged white female, dressed conservatively in a button-up shirt and dark, long-sleeved cardigan. Her dark brown hair is pulled back in a bun (see screenshot below).

The father hands the librarian the slip of paper, obviously having written down a specific resource.

Tim:  Sorry I keep doing this.

Librarian [looking up and closing a book]:   It’s no problem. You know we have a club here on campus for people who are concerned about the environment.

Tim:  Actually, I didn’t know that.

Librarian:  Well, it just occurred to me that if you’re researching something specific they might be able to tell you where to look.

Tim:  Thank you.

Librarian:  Sure. [walks off, presumably to obtain the resource he's wanting]

Although we never see more than 3/4 of her face (see above) and the scene only lasts about a minute, the librarian proves herself a useful Information Provider in this Class IV TV movie. She helps to propel the plot and is quite pleasant and efficient. She reinforces the idea that she’s an academic librarian, by mentioning the “club here on campus.” However, she is actually in a better position to help him than the environment club; in the next scene, Tim goes to the club and basically has to educate them himself on the issues of pollution and its effects on the local water supply.

And as a side note, you never need to apologize for asking a librarian a question. That’s why we’re here! :)

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