library assistant

security officer

librarian

library manager

facilities technician

Pikes-Peak-Library-District

At typical day at work with any of the Pikes Peak Library District libraries would start slow but can pick up at any time making your shift go by quicker.
Helping with the circulation of books meant that being busy involved helping library patrons, assisting other library staff members and setting up for upcoming events, etc. 
As Security you also dealt with de escalating aggressive or disruptive patrons and enforcing the PPLD Code of Conduct.
Management pretty much cared about themselves in the small Security Department. 
they constantly will change your work location, don't justify their actions, pretty much intimidate your job security if you don't comply.
management also takes their time if you request anything that you are entitled from PPLD.  They also give you used Security uniforms that you don't know if they were cleaned or are unserviceable. 
Excellent work place culture with the rest of the library staff.
In the Security Department only the ones that always said yes to the department manager were advanced and promoted. They all were white and no matter the other minority's qualifications they were not offered promotions or advancement.
The hardest part was trying to get assistance with any possible grievance, it seems like the ones at the top were fully protected against any wrong doing they committed on their subordinates.
Helping the patrons and staff members was truly the best part and reward while working for PPLD. 

Library patrons are some of the easiest people I have ever worked with. Changing tasks every hour also keeps the day interesting. Most of the staff are pretty easy to get along with as well. 

Over the time I was employed by PPLD I saw a steady shift away from treating staff as professionals and towards treating them as untrustworthy, recalcitrant employees. When I started, our input seemed to be valued, not only at the branch level, but by senior management as well. The change came with John Spears leaving and the new CEO stepping up. 

HR is never truly on your side in a large organization, but any expectation one might have that a library might be a gentler place should be set aside. One of my coworkers had issues because when she ran out of PTO and Sick Leave, but still needed time to deal with her pregnancy, they would not let her take unpaid leave. It was work or leave. When a new manager was hired at my location, he was not chastised for raising his voice or treating staff as second class citizens. I was fired after reporting his actions as bullying. As a front line employee, if your manager and supervisor do not have your back, you're on your own.

As a public service attendant, I was responsible for working in the circulation department of the library. This includes everything from sorting incoming books/materials, running various computer programs for further sorting, shelving the materials in the public area, helping patrons where I would, giving information over the phone and in person about events and programs in the library, assisting coworkers with any number of different things. This job was integral to my completion of my degree. It was a laid-back atmosphere and management worked with my school schedule. While it did not pay much per hour, it did offer benefits and itself, was just a very low stress environment. When I worked at the library I felt as though I was on a very good team. I could rely on people and they could rely on me. We were very close, spending time together outside of work also. The hardest part of the job was when some part of our system changed and we weren't all notified, and trying to teach it to others as it happened. The most enjoyable part of the job was the atmosphere. The people and culture was one of caring and learning. I was great. I learned a lot about how a library actually functions on a daily basis and how much work it really takes for those that do it.

The work, itself, is very fulfilling.  Unfortunately the program is still in its developing stages and there seems to be a lack of forecasting and program design, which results in a lot of administrative chaos.  Training is entirely underdeveloped, and there is a lot of tension among the co-workers due to perpetual confusion.  Processes are not well defined and responsibilities are confused, which results in an environment where everyone is trying to do their own thing and protect their own hide.  A lack of trust retards the development of fundamental processes that should benefit the patrons.

However, this department is rather isolated from the rest of the organization, so this review does not speak in general.  As for the rest of the organization, it seems that there is a lack of protocol for dealing with conflict or mix-ups.  An environment of assumptions, rumors, and mistrust is fostered.

Communication is unclear causing issues for staff and patrons. 
Staff with seniority are expected to train new staff without any compansation. New staff typically get paid more than the people training them. 
Management does not support staff from verbal abuse from patrons. 
Staff are treated like social workers instead of library workers. We don't receive trauma informed care training or follow up training. 
It wasn't like this when I started. Things changed in a major way. Regional managers don't understand how their branches or how the equipment in those branches work.
It is a shame, so much good could be done for the community. 

I really enjoyed working with my supervisor. She was patient and complimentary to my work. I was able to quickly learn how to mend and keep the collection of the library district to look appealing, and not worn out. I also had the flexibility to work at my own pace, which took the demands out of getting so many books done in a certain amount of time. I was complimented by my supervisor at the end of each month of her tallying up how many I did (my average was 200-300 books per month). I also had very nice co workers.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Some co workers and some of the patrons. Knowing you were helping and making a difference. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The higher ups. There is obvious favoritism. The lack of support and communication was extremely concerning. The lack of consistency as well. The fact that claimed to care about their staff but actions showed the opposite. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Micro managed and unsupported. Acted as if cared but actions showed other wise. Very unhealthy.

A typical day included the use of databases, unpacking items received and processing items. The ability to multi task, attention to detail and good time management are essential qualities for processing the items in a timely manner. Team driven tasks were a large part of the work. Great management and employees, and an enjoyable place to work. The hardest part was leaving PPLD. The most enjoyable part was going in to work everyday and looking forward to working with my colleagues.

Workplace culture is poor. 5-7 front line managers have left in the last 6 months, Two fired for questionable reasons were among the most dedicated employees. Everyone look over their should wondering who will be next. Staff are bullied to "not talk about the toxic culture"

During my time at the library, I worked as a Peer Navigator and a Security Officer at Penrose Library. I learned very skills and had a great work life balance. Unfortunately, there is a toxic clash between departments and branch locations. I do believe there is a library that is a good fit for everyone. The most difficult part of the job was not having enough to do. Would highly recommend! Great place to build experience.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Library assistant 4 salaries reported	$17.70 per hour
Security officer 4 salaries reported	$17.51 per hour
Librarian 3 salaries reported	$62,333 per year
Library manager 1 salary reported	$26.09 per hour
Facilities technician 4 salaries reported	$19.85 per hour

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