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New York Public Library

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Complete Lack of Vision - Manager New York Public Library Employee Review

2.0
14 Jul 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Staff are brilliant and dedicated to the Library's mission. Research collections are world-class.

Cons

There's a complete lack of strategic vision from leadership. Nobody really knows what they're supposed to be doing or what their department's goals are. Staff are deeply demoralized, since there's no real change or progress -- you either do the same day-to-day forever, or get pulled into a director's misbegotten pet project. Without any kind of strategy, what passes for leadership are director's ego trips; entire departments run on 30-year-old tech stacks because directors see collaboration as an assault on their fiefdom. There's very little decision-making coming from leadership; staff cannot move major projects forward, because everyone's waiting for someone with authority to just make a damn decision. What decision-making exists is either entirely reactive -- a director launches a major initiative with zero forethought to keep up with the Joneses -- or is a power play against another department. Leadership is promoted on the basis of inertia; competence is certainly not part of the decision. Abusive leaders get advanced further and further, despite having a litany of HR reports against them. HR is a farce -- reporting harassment results in the reporter getting harassed by HR, and equity initiatives seem to have used Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" as an operating manual.

Explore other reviews about New York Public Library

5.0
18 Mar 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The Library is dynamic and interesting. There are many intelligent, dedicated people working there. I learned a lot and got to work on some cool stuff.

Cons

it could benefit from more project management.

3.0
26 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Unparalleled work-life balance, especially for tech workers. - A very relaxed and friendly environment with no micromanagement. - Generous leave policies. - Most projects have very slow deadlines, so there’s no significant work pressure. - A laissez-faire work culture. - If you’re contemplating retirement, pursuing a master’s degree, or starting a side hustle, this is an excellent place to work.

Cons

- Compensation is significantly below market rate. - Toxic directors and senior leaders favor certain employees and encourage sycophancy. Sycophants are rewarded with benefits such as flexible work schedules and the ability to work remotely. - Promotion is contingent upon being a sycophant. - Directors and senior leaders often avoid the office altogether or have erratic schedules, such as arriving at 7 pm and leaving whenever they please, while simultaneously enforcing strict rules. - If you’re an ambitious individual seeking career growth, this is not the ideal place to be.

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