The fable of the lawyer is here germane, who, when reproached by a friend, “That advice you gave me was worth nothing, absolutely nothing,” replied, “Well, isn’t that just what you paid me for it?”
The off-hand answer of a librarian, even an expert, may or may not fit the case. He is certainly not to be blamed if it does not fit, unless he has been duly retained, and has taken time for mature study of all the facts.
The Local Librarian as Expert
“No plan should be drawn up or accepted without the skilled guidance of a thoroughly trained expert.”—Duff-Brown.[126]
Is your own librarian such an expert? It is assumed that you have one, for some sort of a librarian is a prerequisite of even a rudimentary library.
“First appoint your librarian: the rapid growth of library interests has necessitated expert service in a multitude of essential details.”—Professor Todd.[127]
“Should be a scholar and a person of executive ability, versed in all departments.”—Fletcher.[128]
The local librarian is undoubtedly expert in most processes of librarianship, but is he or she such an expert—not theorist, but expert—in building, that other librarians look up to him for expert advice on that subject? If not, does not your problem deserve the advice of some librarian in whom others have confidence? Do you not need the best advice you can get?
Has your librarian the natural aptitude for planning, which would have made him a good architect?