Exploring the question “why can’t librarians just say ‘no’?,” through the lens of multiple disciplines and communication channels, Authors Meyers, Narlock, Martinez-Montavon, and Stathers track the development of crisis narratives and intersections/parallels with vocational awe in librarianship. The study is accompanied by a multimedia Scalar project incorporating critique and film, offering a unique lens of librarian portrayals, expectations, stereotypes that highlight ongoing impacts on library work practices, co-worker relationships, and user interactions.