Librarienne Seal of Approval!
Another thing they never teach you in library school is how to dress for the job of librarian. We can all picture the stereotypical librarian, and I’m sure most of us would like to avoid becoming a stereotype at all costs. The problem is, at least in this case, the stereotypes really do fit the profession.
Sensible shoes– library floors are HARD, and will hurt your feet in ways never previously imagined. Combine that with schlepping around heavy books, and you’ve got foot pain, backache, and are on your way to a nice hump. This may be why librarians are seen as cranky, and can you blame them, really?
The footwear and clothing issues are something all librarians and paraprofessionals must encounter. Perhaps just as you start that new great job you think to yourself, I am not going to dress like a librarian, I will be fashion-forward and hip! Problem is, you go out and spend a lot of money on cute, hip clothes only to find out that they don’t really work for the job. Skirts may be too short or tight, fabric not breathable enough or dry-clean only, shoes that are comfortable for a few laps around the mall have you crying out in pain at the end of a six-hour shift.
I am here to help (as much as I can). I have no idea what guy librarians wear, and I welcome any suggestions, but ladies, I have got you covered.
First item to receive the Librarienne Seal of Approval for fashion-forward library wear–Dansko shoes. Danskos are not all attractive footwear, some are damn ugly, but they will be the most comfortable shoes you can find for library work. When I was starting out, I tried 
every kind of shoe I could. I spend entirely too much money, and actually went to work a few days in sneakers, which I hate wearing when not running. Some shoes deadened the pain, but after five eight hour days in a row, I was in agony. The problem is that most shoes are designed for be comfortable to walk in, which makes sense. While you do do a lot of walking in library work, you do even more standing. Shoemakers just don’t think about that, but Dansko does.
These shoes have got thick, rubber soles to absorb the shock of walking on hard floors so your back doesn’t get constantly jolted, and the insole hugs your foot perfectly providing cushion and stability. The only 2 complaints I have about these shoes, is that some are ugly (lots of clogs), and they provide little-to-no traction on ice. They are a bit expensive, unless you find some at the Dansko outlet, but the pair I currently own have been with me for three years, and I still get tons of compliments on them.
If, initially, you look at this shoes and think that they look vaguely orthopedic, let me assure you that you will not care after spending a day on the library floor in a lesser shoe. Every other brand of footwear noted for its comfort (except Dr. Scholls, cause I want to be hip, so I haven’t tried those) has let me down–these never have.
Filed under: A Day in the Life, By: The Librarienne, change or die | 7 Comments
Tags: buns, glasses, librarian fashion, librarian stereotypes, shoes
I love Danskos! I taught for a few years before becoming a librarian, and wish I’d discovered Danskos then. Now, they are all I wear to work- and mostly away from work too. The clogs can be clunky looking- but I just go with it- I’d rather be a bit unfashionable than have painful feet. I have clogs, mary janes of various heights, and a pair of boots. Right now 6pm.com has some styles more than 50% off. I find it kinda inevitable to “dress like a librarian” – I just embrace it now.
I also love Danskos! I had found them from the restaurant and nursing profession and they work great. My only complaint is that my pair that I’ve had for going on 3 years have stretched a bit…not sure what to do about that. But I will definitely be buying more. I think that even some ‘librarian’ type clothes can be fashionable…my husband and sisters have told me a various points that ‘you look like a librarian, but like a cute librarian…’ I try to have fun with it.
I kinda dislike clogs, but my husband (who’s a teacher) totally swears by Dansko clogs. He’ll buy a new pair about once a year.
I’ve had luck with Earth Shoes (particularly these, which are much, much cuter in red, like the pair I own: http://www.earthfootwear.com/ourfootwear/ourfootwearproducts/tabid/65/language/en-us/p-35-solar.aspx).
I used to wear Danskos all the time. And Earth shoes.
Then middle age hit like an atom bomb with arthritis, swelling, you name it. Best fit? 6W. Neither brand makes this size. My solution are really clunky and ugly oxfords from SAS
http://www.sasshoes.com/
Weeee! I am stylin’ ! Nothing but slacks for this gal from here on in. (sob)
A number of clogs, walking sandles, lace up booties, and on an occassional day here and there I risk a no support ballet shoe.
the hard part for me — I used to be a short skirt gal. I have the legs for them. But now I am in long skirts all the time. ( Pants — I swear they fit one day and then they don’t. puttiii.)
I too am on the Dansko train. I got my first pair when I was working at a bookstore, so the transition to library work has been seamless!
It’s part of the librarian stereotype, I think: Danskos, cats, and glasses. I had all three till I got Lasik.
I’m a nurse and love my Dansko’s. I use to wear anything I could find under $50 to work in not anymore. The more experienced nurse would all way tell me to invest in a pair Dansko’s but I just wouldn’t listen thinking to myself I’m not wearing those ugly shoes. Then for Christmas 2 years ago they chipped in and bought me a pair now I own 3 pair. I think you have to learn to appreciate the comfort in order to love them.