Librarian

A Librarian in the wizarding world is a witch or wizard responsible for the curation, maintenance, and protection of a collection of books. The most prominent example in the series is the Librarian of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a position held by Madam Irma Pince during the entirety of Harry Potter's time at the school. The Hogwarts Librarian is characterized as the stern and vigilant guardian of the Hogwarts Library, enforcing strict rules to protect its vast and often dangerous collection of magical texts.

The activities of the Hogwarts Librarian are documented through the school years of Harry Potter, with Madam Irma Pince being the sole individual seen in this role. Her presence is a constant in the Hogwarts Library, where she oversees all student activity.

• 1992-1993: The Librarian, Madam Pince, shows deep suspicion when Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger request a book from the Restricted Section. She is only placated when they present a signed permission slip from Professor Gilderoy Lockhart for their research on Polyjuice Potion.
• 1994-1995: She is seen scolding and ejecting numerous students from the library for minor infractions like making noise or eating. During the Yule Ball, she is surprisingly seen in a more social context, dancing with Argus Filch.
• 1996-1997: Madam Pince demonstrates her protective nature when she physically smacks Harry's hand with a ruler for attempting to use a Summoning Charm on a book from her desk. She is particularly incensed by Harry bringing a chocolate-stained copy of Advanced Potion-Making into her domain.
• 1998: During the Battle of Hogwarts, the Librarian is seen participating in the school's defence by helping to evacuate younger students, indicating her loyalty to Hogwarts.

The Hogwarts Librarian, Madam Irma Pince, is described as a “thin, irritable woman who looked like an underfed vulture.” She has vulture-like features and a stern demeanor. Her personality is defined by an extreme devotion to the preservation of the library's books. She is notoriously strict, quick to anger, and deeply suspicious of students, whom she seems to regard as a constant threat to her collection. Any form of damage to books, including creased spines or scribbles, is met with her displeasure. Despite her severe and abrasive nature, her attendance at the Yule Ball with Argus Filch suggests a softer side and a capacity for companionship with like-minded individuals.

The Librarian of Hogwarts possesses a specific set of skills tailored to her profession.

• Protective Enchantments: She is highly proficient in placing complex Charms and Jinxes on library books to prevent theft, vandalism, and mistreatment. For example, the copy of Quidditch Through the Ages checked out by Harry contained numerous warnings about the consequences of damaging it.
• Vigilance: Madam Pince displays an almost supernatural awareness of everything happening within the Hogwarts Library, often appearing suddenly to reprimand students for the slightest infraction.
• Knowledge of Magical Texts: As the overseer of one of the finest magical libraries in the world, she possesses an extensive knowledge of magical literature, including the dark and dangerous texts housed in the Restricted Section.

• Hogwarts Library: The Librarian's primary charge and domain is the entire Hogwarts Library, containing tens of thousands of books on every subject of magic. This includes the Restricted Section, a locked area containing books on Dark Arts and other dangerous magic, accessible only with a professor's permission.

The Librarian's primary relationship is with the student body, which is largely one of mutual suspicion. Students generally fear her and try to avoid her notice. An exception is Hermione Granger, whose respect for books and rules likely earned her a degree of tolerance from Madam Pince. Her most notable personal connection is with the Hogwarts caretaker, Argus Filch, with whom she shares a similar personality focused on rules and discipline. Their shared attendance at the Yule Ball implies a potential romance or close friendship.

The name of the known Hogwarts Librarian, Irma Pince, has fitting origins.

• Irma: A German name that can mean “universal” or “whole,” possibly reflecting her complete and total control over her domain, the library.
• Pince: This is the French word for “to pinch” or “pincers.” This aptly describes her sharp, severe, and grasping personality. It may also allude to a “pince-nez,” a type of glasses that pinch the nose, fitting a stereotypical image of a librarian.

• The first name of the Hogwarts Librarian, Irma, was not mentioned in the seven novels but was later revealed by J.K. Rowling on the original Pottermore website (Pottermore).
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the role of Madam Pince is played by actress Sally Mortemore (film).