Pros
- Providing tangible assistance to some of the most marginalized groups in our society. - Forming a close connection with the local community. - Performing a wide variety of tasks, including: creating signs/posters, running 3D printers, processing new books/weeding old ones, repairing books, researching (a WIDE variety of) topics for patrons, assisting patrons with computer/tech questions, etc. - Creating and running programs, such as teen cooking classes, board game meetings for kids/adults, LEGO club, storytime for children, adult book groups, outreach programs. - Not having to work for someone else's profit.
Cons
The way that the hiring system works is completely bonkers. When you apply to a job, you aren't applying to the individual library you want to work at; rather, you're applying to the county as a whole. The people who interview you for the job often do not work at the library you want to work at, and the people who DO manage that library will have no say in your hiring. Additionally, in order to be promoted, a job opening with the title you want has to first open at the library you work at, which only happens when someone retires or dies (meaning, once every 20 years). Then, you have to once again apply to that position through the county, and your supervisors and managers have little to no say in whether or not you're promoted. Everyone is overworked and underpaid. Most positions are part-time because the county doesn't want their employees to have health benefits. The libraries could run much, much more efficiently if more staff were able to work full-time, but that's not likely to change in the future. People are more willing to invest in the buildings themselves than the employees who actually run them. This job will break your heart--you will give it your all, because you want to serve the community you love, and you will get nothing in return. It's more of a volunteer position than anything else.