Unmasking the Annoyed Librarian

The movement to unmask the Annoyed Librarian is picking up strength and momentum. Heck, even the Annoyed Librarian herself has entered the race. According to her most recent blog post, the perrenially annoyed one asserts that she is not--I repeat, not--Meredith Farkas, dispelling any and all blogosphere rumors to the contrary.

I do not know Meredith Farkas; however, I am aware of her blog Information Wants to be Free. I wonder if this is the Annoyed Librarian's coy attempt at thrawting the attempts to unmask her. Putting us off the track, so to speak.

I personally believe the Annoyed Librarian is a group, a collective of annoyed librarians collaborating to publish blog posts. The editor, probably the most vocal of this chummy bunch, is the one we have come to know and love (or hate) as the Annoyed Librarian. Notice how some blog posts elucidate on the weaknesses of the American Library Association, while others are critical of popular bloggers/librarians. This seems to point to several authors. Granted, my argument is not without holes. But it is what it is.

That said, why the movement to unmask the Annoyed Librarian? Shouldn't we have a bit of mystery? Shouldn't we have someone who remains anonymous and thus is more able to shine a discerning light on the issues of our time or our profession?

I am proud to say that I found the Annoyed Librarian's blog and blogged about her/they long before she/they became the blogosphere hit that she/they is/are today. May 29, 2006 to be exact.

So let the Annoyed Librarian remain anonymous; let her/they blog without hinderance.

Yes, that is good and true.

But then again. I wonder. I wonder....