Two Sides of the Same Coin: Serving the Patrons as Librarians and Archivists

Abstract

This essay seeks to address the apparent divide between librarians and archivists, and in particular to educate professionals within the respective fields as to both the origin of the gap and the misconception behind it; that librarians serve the patron and archivists serve the collection. The difference appears to stem from the opposing goals of their foundational principles; however, upon closer examination it is evident that the two groups work toward a common objective. This essay argues that their means are separate only because of the difference in the materials they care for, and the end that they both strive for is the same; getting as much information to as many patrons as possible.