Most Americans admit that librarians perform a vital function in American life. There are roughly 150,000 of them who earn an average of $55,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Professional football is a favorite--probably the favorite--American spectator sport, yet even die-hard fans would probably not say that professional football players are as valuable to society as librarians. Players on the rosters of National Football League teams number about 1,700 and earn an average of $777,000, according to several Internet sources. "If we accept the conclusion that librarians are more vital to the country than professional football players, why are librarians so poorly paid in comparison?