So what’s it like to work in a library?

I remember in middle school my friends and I  used to hang out at the public library to pass time. (Obviously we were considered the cool kids.) We used to fantasize about working in the library as adults.

The idea of becoming a librarian never left my mind as I grew up. Even throughout college, as I was pursuing a teaching degree, I continually entertained the idea of becoming a librarian, which I eventually learned required a master’s degree. Before making the costly and time-consuming decision to commit to library school, I decided to give library work a try. For the past two years I’ve been working as a library assistant while attending library school online and I can’t say I regret that decision.

I think a lot of people entertain the idea of working in a library. Often times people assume library workers are volunteers, or they’ll talk about how working in a library could be a fun thing to do when they retire. However, it’s considered an actual profession. Although I don’t necessarily think a master’s SHOULD be required, it IS, so choosing this field should not be an impulsive, nonchalant decision. If you are considering pursuing an MLIS, I recommend working or volunteering in a library first to see if you enjoy it and if it’s a good fit for you.

So what does one DO while working in a public library? Read books?!? Well, not exactly. Libraries are much more complex than I’d ever imagined. There are multiple departments and library managers, and there are a surprising variety of materials and services  offered. In the library I currently work in, we have an administration department with a director and an assistant director. We have the reference department where patrons can ask research questions, get technology help, and access newspapers and other materials. Many libraries even offer museum passes! We also offer access to e-books and and movie streaming services. It’s pretty incredible actually!

Then there is the circulation department, where library materials are checked in and out, and where patrons can ask questions mostly related to locating and requesting materials. It’s also where we administer library cards. Then there’s, of course, the youth services department which consists of the children’s and teen/young adult libraries. We also have a large, extremely successful ESL program, where we offer classes run by a library assistant, and where students can work with volunteer tutors by appointment.

When many people think of the word “library,” they think of books, books, quiet study areas, and more books! Oh, and cranky librarians constantly shushing you! However, the library is so much more than that, and it’s evolving to become more of a community space. For instance, libraries offer such a wide variety of interesting and helpful programs.  The children’s library offers crafts and storytimes, STEM programs, cooking  classes, one-on-one reading sessions with therapy dogs (my personal favorite!), and so much more. For adults, we have books groups, speakers, local history and genealogy programs, movie matinees, crafts, writing groups, foreign language conversation groups… The list goes on and on!

So what is it like to work in a library? I think it largely depends on the library you work in, but from my experience it’s fun and dynamic, and everyday is a little different. Heck, every hour is different. Some days I’ll start off with children’s storytimes, then move on to shelving books. Later I’ll help out with a program, and then move on to the service desk.

Also, it’s important to note that it’s a very similar atmosphere to retail. Everyday you’re providing customer service and working with the public. So you always have to be prepared to deal with dissatisfied patrons — although usually people are happy to be at the library in my experience. And just like retail, some days are slow and you have to keep yourself from falling asleep, while other days the pace is much faster and you can hardly keep up.

Also, bear in mind that it is a free public building, and you’ll encounter situations with no easy solutions, where you’re concerned for your safety, other patrons’ safety, and/or the safety of the person causing the situation in the first place. In other words, sometimes the work of a librarian involves a little bit of social work. It’s something I feel they should address more in library school.

So do I like working in a library? Yes, absolutely! I like working with children, I like interacting with people, I like being surrounded by books, and I like that everyday is a little different. I also love what the library provides for its community: a place to relax, a place to socialize, a place to read, a place to learn, and a place to grow.

While I do currently work in a library, it’s still relatively new to me and I have lots to learn! Have you worked in a library? Have you ever considered library work?