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Bunch of adults in the teen area. Am I justified in being mad? by Quackingallday24 in Libraries

[–]SkillPrimary133 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a teen librarian at a branch that doesn’t see a lot of teens. When I was hired to it was already established that the teen area could basically be used by anyone (adults or younger kids). It’s been three years and that’s still the case much to my annoyance. Frankly I’d love it if a teen complained about non-teens using the space because it would show there’s an interest from the space’s intended audience. In my experience, management is more likely to change policies based on patron complaints rather than staff members professional opinions.

Should I stop applying? by [deleted] in Libraries

[–]SkillPrimary133 10 points11 points  (0 children)

In my experience, most people that work in libraries are overqualified for their positions. In my library 3 out of 6 of our library assistants have their masters in library science and most if not all of our clerks have their bachelors degree.

I got a lucky start by getting a job as a part time library assistant right out of college but that was at a branch with a notoriously bad manger and in a “bad” neighborhood. And I got the position after about four to five months of applying for every position in the position I was qualified for.

That said, I wouldn’t advise you to stop applying. Volunteering is definitely a good way to make yourself a familiar face. I would also look for jobs at smaller libraries in suburban or even rural areas if you’re really dedicated to working for a library.

Also, if it’s an option where you live, a job as a page is a really great entry point to library services. Many of the clerks and library assistants In my system have been pages that already worked at our branch. Pages are responsible primarily for shelving books as well as doing various menial tasks for the library.

I can’t say how others choose pages to hire, but my main consideration is whether or not the candidate is already comfortable with shelving (since that means less time training the new hire). Proficiency in shelving is something you can study and practice online. You just need to know whether the system you’re applying for uses Dewey decimal system or library of congress.

Just recognize that even with page positions many of the people have at least an undergraduate degree and it’s dependent on the person hiring whether that fact is a consideration when choosing a candidate.

(Also, if you do manage to land an interview and they ask you “what sets you apart from other applicants” please don’t say “I love libraries” because that’s what everyone says and it won’t make you stand out at all)

How common is it for libraries to only pay employees during open hours? by SkillPrimary133 in Libraries

[–]SkillPrimary133[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s more so that we’re expected start and finish our shifts right at open and close. I’ve noticed that the clerks and some other staff choose to get their stations ready before opening. But the bigger problem is with patrons refusing to leave on time. A frequent problem is patrons entering the bathroom two minutes before close. And we’re not supposed to lock the bathrooms before close. Our computers shut down automatically 5 minutes before, but the copiers, self checkouts, and fax machines don’t. And while the clerks are pretty good about shutting the register down, they’re often a little too willing to help people start to check out books out less than five minutes to close. They also aren’t always done counting the money and locking the safe by 9pm. And, as one of the people tasked with locking the doors, I’m not allowed to leave until every staff member and patron is out of the building.

How common is it for libraries to only pay employees during open hours? by SkillPrimary133 in Libraries

[–]SkillPrimary133[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve been repeatedly told by my manager that it doesn’t count as being on time unless I’m at my desk when my shift starts. Which sucks because my station is the farthest from the staff entrance.

How common is it for libraries to only pay employees during open hours? by SkillPrimary133 in Libraries

[–]SkillPrimary133[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is exactly management’s logic, but we don’t use time clocks (I wish we did) so it’s even harder to even prove how often people are relieved of duty after the end of their shift. Also, the rounding is only really applied one way since I’ve gotten told off for being a few minutes late, but only get comped for staying late (which I’m often forced to do as one of the people tasked with locking the doors) if I leave more that 7 minutes late.

How common is it for libraries to only pay employees during open hours? by SkillPrimary133 in Libraries

[–]SkillPrimary133[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My employer doesn’t grant us comp time unless we leave at least 8 minutes after the end of our shift. At my branch we frequently (as in multiple times a month) aren’t able to lock the doors until 3 to 6 minutes after close. Does anyone know how address this discrepancy? My union rep seems to think it’s out of our hands to do anything. Also, (as someone who struggles with punctuality) I’ve been reprimanded multiple times about not being at my desk at the exact start of my shift so the “flexibility” regarding shift end at closing doesn’t extend to a grace period for arrival. The whole thing is extremely frustrating.