Shoop, you might not realize what librarians do...they don't just stand there and scan your books. They make decisions about what to put library resources into, they help people do research, they foster childrens' and adults' desire to learn, they sponsor art exhibits, speakers, forums, community groups etc., they create and maintain an environment that encourages people to grow. Becoming a head librarian is like becoming a CEO -- many library budgets are pretty big and the organizations are big.
And that's just public libraries. Specialized or private librarians maintain the historical record of an organization and foster its workings.
Hooray for librarians! I love them.
all that sounds horribly unfufilling and unambitious.
seriously though if ambition is to move up the ranks of any business than where would people who own their own businesses go next? do they stop being ambitious?
people can grow in their position laterally as well.