Average Salary for Columbus Metropolitan Library Employees

Pros: I can feel satisfied in helping individual patrons with their questions or requests. Some are absolute darlings to talk to or chat with and are very kind to the call center staff. It makes me feel like I'm participating in the community. My co-workers are all very kind and I look forward to spend time with them. I'm able to open to my direct supervisor about struggles outside of work and be met with understanding. While their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion board is incomplete, it's definitely one of the better ones out there.

Cons: Generally disillusioning. CEO wants run a public service like a business, feels extremely detached. Wants us to call patrons "customers." Grody. Building itself is boring, contemporary stark-white walls with fluorescent lights that can trigger my migraines. CSS are required to stand for hours at desks that aren't height-inclusive. If you're short, or use a wheelchair, or have dwarfism, good luck reaching the tools you need to perform your job. For an institution that's "open to all," extreme lack of disability awareness. Yikes. Call center staff often receive calls from individuals with complex mental health issues or are detached from reality and those can be tense and difficult to navigate as well as emotionally draining. Little chance for full-time employment as admin doesn't want to pay for their benefits. Branches often short-staffed with quick turnarounds. I am so tired.