Libraries are places full of people as well as information. Patrons come to libraries to learn and to access information, but also to find a safe quiet place to be, one where no one is asking for money and the heating is always on. To ensure we offer a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for patrons, it is vital that we provide a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for staff. Many people spend almost a quarter of their time in work. By making libraries inclusive and welcoming places, staff can find their work is worthwhile and enjoyable, rather than simply an activity to pay the bills. Staff who feel valued and included bring their whole selves to work, with increased enthusiasm, dedication and ideas (among many other traits).

In the media and popular culture librarians are often viewed as strict authoritarians, keen on saying ‘shh!’ and on making sure rules are followed. In reality, librarianship is like many other professions in that it can, and should, recruit a vast array of people with many different drivers and personality types. But we may find that certain personality types are drawn more to the profession over other types. Research from the University of Tennessee (Williamson and Lounsbury, 2016) showed that overall librarians were more likely than the average population to be:

• ■ apprehensive

• ■ cautious

• ■ flexible

• ■ focused

• ■ imaginative

• ■ open-minded

• ■ respectful

• ■ self-reliant

• ■ serious

• ■ tender-minded

• ■ trusting.

In the UK and many other western countries, librarianship as a profession in the 21st century is not very diverse. Librarians are more likely to be female, white and middle class.