"In books and movies, when information is needed, the characters travel to the bottom level of the castle to read the archives."

"This lower level is portrayed as dark, dreary, and usually covered in dust. The area is covered with scrolls and stacks of old books. The keeper of the archives is given the image of a short, crooked little man that wanders around guided by the light from a torch. It often appears that he has not seen people in many days."

"But that is just for Hollywood."

Read this article.