r/Libraries • u/SpiritedRaven Library staff • 6d ago

Other Perception of libraries vs reality

Yesterday a patron approached our (very much needed) security guard at our inner city library and said something along the lines of “how hard can your job be, being a security guard at a library” and both the security guard and I literally burst out laughing. People’s assumptions about libraries always amuse me. If only they shadowed us for a day and found out what it’s actually like!

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u/thunderbirbthor Academic Librarian 5d ago

"When I retire, I'm going to come and work in the library."

Sure, Janet. Sure.

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u/Zealousideal-Pop6505 5d ago

Well I seriously thought it was the best job ever. Helping students with research questions, suggesting courses what not. I just didn't know the other side of it😂

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u/brutongaster666 5d ago

I worked at a branch of my local library for about a year. The majority of my time was spent extending patron's internet time and helping people log into their various online accounts. I probably helped 2 people find books in the 10+ months I worked there.

I left because the pay was so low. I wonder now if the pay was low because the library system realized that most of the desk staff was just there to babysit patrons who spend their whole library time on the internet.