Sure, Everyone Is a Search Expert Now
March 9, 2026
Librarians are important.
Why does this bear repeating year after year?? ? Technology might be advancing but without something to curate all of the knowledge and teach others how to use it, humanity will be hemorrhaging data like TikTok videos.? ? Oh wait, that’s already happening.? ? Nature shares the important research strategy that: “Why Every Scientist Needs A Librarian.”
Here’s a summary of what librarians do.? ? It’s wordier than an AI summary but it explains it quicker than the entire article:
“Librarians like to say that an hour in the library is worth a month in the laboratory, quips Kristin Briney, biology and biological engineering librarian at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, California. And the Caltech library team points out that a researcher could avoid hours of solo Internet searching by just sending a quick e-mail to a specialist librarian to get the same results.
Depending on their positions and skill sets, librarians might have job titles such as information specialist, informationist or knowledge manager. Whatever they’re called, they can help scientists to search every relevant database to start a literature review, ensure they comply with evolving requirements to make their data or papers freely accessible, and separate the good from the bad in search results or code generated by artificial intelligence. Moreover, the need for data experts in the library makes it a possible career path for scientists.”
What follows is a detailed list of how librarians are integral to the very foundation of information and data management.? ? It also mentions that librarians are nice people and are eager to share their skills with others.? ?
Is this a puff piece? Yes.
Does it say something important? Yes.
What should you do with this information?
Go to the library and ask how a librarian can help you better understand and use the Internet.? ? Bring cookies and coffee.? ? It’ll make them happier.
Whitney Grace, March 9, 2026
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