UA-cam is pushing out this video, so I wanted to address a couple of things not mentioned: My job isn't just "shelving books all day" and to say that is honestly quite disrespectful. I did show only the "easy" parts of the job bc i dont want my employer to think I'm talking negatively online about it. 1) The job can be very physical and emotionally taxing. Being a library worker means you are also a social worker. I had to take mandated reporter training because i am constantly around children and people being neglected by their parents and the system. Homeless people pretty much stay in the building while we are open because we are the only place they are safe to go. 2) Just because you like to read doesn't mean this job is for you. It's rare that you'll be just sitting and reading during your shift at most places. Also, this job is not for introverts, it's a big customer service job, and you have to talk to people and run programs consistently. I'm socially exhausted every day coming home from talking so much. 3) Alot of my days are spent just helping older people learn how to turn on a computer. I also have to help veterans with the VA bc the VA doesn't give af about them. 4) Being a library worker is very rewarding because i actually feel like I'm doing something to help the community, but you have to deal with alot of BS. Also, I got very lucky to have good management and great coworkers, but that's very rare. There is a lot of turnover at the other libraries due to drama and bad management. Thats why i said that my experience with the job is a positive one, but it may not be like that everywhere. Libraries are one of the only places nowadays where everything is literally free. We are here to be a resource and help people the best we can, but that also means that we work on a strict budget and we are trying our best with little money to do so. Thanks for watching 🩷 Rant over
Thank you for posting this. I will be a year working at my cities library in Feb. We have two locations and we get transferred back and forth. I am at my main location 90% and it’s like the city Hub. Always busy, between customer service, shelving, computers and the children department there’s ALWAYS something to do. Processing our Interlibrary loans is probably one of the most taxing tasks while also trying to help patrons constantly with their needs! I got this job thinking it was so low-key but honestly people do not realize what it takes to work in one. I was so overwhelmed my first couple months there, Working a full time shift with the public is very exhausting on top of learning 101 new skills. I am so thankful for having amazing coworkers who make the days worth it!
So important! I thought I wanted to be. Librarian when I got my general studies bachelor degree so I worked at my local library, very physically taxing!’ I was a clerk and at my library that was primarily shelving and pulling holds etc, I had to stop after 6 months bc my feet were in too much pain (also found a WFH job) Also the social worker aspect, very true, I was in a more affluent area so I didn’t see a lot of homeless people but I do know a lot of the circ desk staff helped a lot of people homeless or not; I also had to be a mandated reporter, a guy would come in and look at weird pictures of kids on Google for hours like everyday, so that was very emotionally taxing since we couldn’t do anything about it either 🫠
A healthy work environment is so important. Most people don’t want to work, but when you don’t have to deal with anxiety and negativity surrounding work it makes such a huge difference.
@@bramstokerfan I’m sorry you went through that… I was bullied by my coworkers too… people can be so cruel. You are much stronger than all those bullies put together! Sending love and positive vibes your way
No, people want to work but they don't want to work in horrible environments for wages they can't live on. The UK doctor's strikes are a case in point.
Academic Librarian here, former public library manager, I loved this video and also thank you for your pinned comment! So many folks don't realized that the library is both a customer service job and while it can be SUPER rewarding, it can also be physically and emotionally taxing, especially when you get a problem patron. Thanks for taking us to work with you, i really enjoyed it! There isn't a lot of library worker content on UA-cam so I really appreciated this. :)
As a fellow reference assistant, it is the most rewarding job. I’ve never loved a job more. The best environment and management. The work is a good pace and nothing is ever too overwhelming like past corporate jobs I’ve had. I truly love it
Good luck. I was a lib ass and loved it. Interview tip, do not say you want the jog as you love to read (you aren't being paid to read - they say). Say it's because you're sociable, love helping people, buidling a sense of community, working with you to promote skills etc etc. When you get the job, remember to smile smile smile, i used to get pain in my face from smiling so much but i got a lot of complements from customers, both written and verbally to bosses, for being so friendly, approachable (in non-work life, er not so much lol). Fingers crossed for you.
@@fionamclean6533 Totally agree! My library director always says hiring someone to work in the library who wants the job to read is like hiring someone someone for a bakery who likes cupcakes. 😆
I was a full-time library assistant for 25 years and retired eight years ago. Your comments in the description are accurate and the reason why I’m a happy retiree - never missed it even one day!
It is so kind of you to awful such insight into your life / job etc. Your job is an important and noble one. We appreciate your contributions. Learning from you!
I applied to a library assistant job in my area, and tbh, I'm kind of glad it didn't work out because I am more aware now of the social aspects and I was trying to get out of customer service work so it would have been too similar in the areas that exhausted me (though I love books). I'm lucky to be working in a lab right now, away from people outside of coworkers and with only my work to do. I respect your job and the difficult parts of it :-) My least favorite customer interaction was when I worked at a restaurant and we'd unlock the patio door (to clean the patio!!) before opening, customers would try the front door, realize it was locked, then walk into the restaurant from the patio and stare at me while I mopped like I was supposed to help them. Yes, we had signs saying we were closed. No, they never read them. I certainly don't miss that.
I worked in retail for many years and hated the customer service aspect of it. People were awful. However in the library it is much better. Very little money is involved and no coupons! People are typically happy to be in the library so they are much nicer.
I’m also a PT librarian assistant in a historical building with a rescued cat that lives in our library. I’ve also looked into a MA to move up, but I’m 53 and I don’t want $70K in student loans without a significant income increase. And I don’t want the added stress. (I was a teacher through Covid…) My library is so tiny! I do the check in/outs, holds, our website, adult and kids’ programming, cataloguing, computer help, phone, and shelving. I also do volunteer work for the cat rescue our cat came from and appointments for the free tax help we give and combined programming with an elderly nonprofit. It’s a full job! And I love it! 🥰
Such an interesting vlog! I am a specialist for media and information services in a German library and I really liked seeing how the job is done overseas
Thank you soooo much for including your comment as a preface abiut library workers. I've love what I do but I've had to reevaluate how I work my mental health to be accommodate my job. And how I can maintain and balance everything, while being okay and serving the public. I've been thinking of goals to do this past winder into 2025 of how I need and want to slow down, so I can meet those needs.
from one library worker to another, happy new year!!! :D it's so funny how we both basically got the same job the same way LOL. i totally understand not having a good work environments with past jobs. my current library job is also the healthiest job i've had too 🥲 i hope this year treats you well! this was such a nice video to watch.
go get tht job, the time spent finding a library adjacent job vs time spent just dragging your way thru your current job will pass anyway why not try to work on something you seem passionate abt
This is such a great video! I’m actually just about to leave to head to my own job at a local library where I’m part time and my actual job is to put the books away we are called Pages. I know the pain of kids books they were my least favorite cart to put away when I first started. I do dream of getting a full time job at my library one day as a circulation assistant where we deal with the books in the catalog more and the checking in and out of the books. Thank you for showing part of your day at your library!!
I've always wanted to work in a library myself so I absolutely loved this video!!😊💜📚 Would love to see more vlogs like this in the future!! Happy New Year by the way!!! 🥰🎄🎁✨
I think most ppl don’t release the amount of labour required, shelving books can lead to a lot of wrist injury or rsi - I don’t miss that tbh My fave part was picking the books for the displays displays, especially the kids
i think people vastly underestimate the size of library collections, also! to a patron, it may only look like a fairly manageable collection but when you're shelving, maintaining and tidying a collection of 20k+ books, it's tedious work! quite often we will weed books and, in doing so, have to shuffle the entire collection along the shelves. that means you're physically moving 20k+ books, often academic texts that are CHUNKY, and it's painful! there have been days where i've woken up with very very achey limbs because of it.
This was really interesting! It also reminded me that I should go support my local library although I suspect they don't have a lot of what I typically want to read.
That's an easy solution to solve, though! If they don't have any of the books you want, they can easily transfer them over from another library to yours and or order them for you to read!
I used to volunteer at a library back when I was a teenager. Filling up donation boxes with books that people donate to the library, then are sent to Used Book Stores and Book Fairs. I truly miss it.
First of all bluey and bingo jibits!!! And Cam the cat!!! The way I lowkey want your job because I miss going to the library! I love this vlogs at work!!! Can’t wait to see more
Randomly found this vid and already so interested, and appreciative to have it on to co work! I’m only a couple mins in but it’s so cool to hear your coworkers are supportive of UA-cam!
I was so excited when I saw a library assistant job open at the library right next to my house. Sadly, anyone who works there has to have some kind of college degree. They keep saying I can volunteer but I just don't have the time on top of my current job. Maybe one day I'll find a library job where i don't need one
@too_tired_for_this ive noticed that when we are crocheting or reading at the desk, we get asked more questions by patrons and we can recommend new books or promote our crochet club :)
I like that if it’s meant to be it will be ! Congrats! I applied for a library assistant job back in Dec my application got referred to the manager. For right now I’ll take any chill environment until that library opportunity arises.
I have worked at several libraries as a library assistant or library aide and I can attest that you've summed up the job very well. My favorite part was pulling the holds. I felt it was like a treasure hunt. But, yes, as you said in your "rant," it is quite physically taxing, which is one reason I went back to my work-from-home editing job (the pay is better too). I met a lot of great people working in the libraries, though, and am still very close with a few of them. It's rare to work somewhere in which the public is put ahead of profits. Thanks, Alyssa, for this video.
I usted to work as a library assistant in a school library (my mom was the director of that school so she talked to her boss who was the owner of that school to get me that job) so I’m thankful to her for that
yay! it's always lovely to see other library assistants at work. it really is a very special job, and one that i think people often vastly underestimate the role, responsibilities and (sometimes) pressures of! i would love to watch more of these in the future. 🤍
I am a library manager in the UK 😊 I love my job and wouldn't change it. And I agree to say all we do is shelving is very disrespectful, if you would like a better idea then go in to your local library.
This is such an awesome video. I wanted to work in a library so badly when I was young, but went into another career. I didn't know some libraries have volunteers though, I'm going to look into that in my area.
You work my dream job 😮❤ proud of you for pursuing something you actually love! I can’t work (I’m on full disability) but this would’ve been so lovely 🥰
Ahhh our paths are sort of similar, i was working in the animal industry prior to my job in the library that i got last may and also we are both body modded baddies ❤
Hello fellow assistant! It's nice to see what another system does. When I worked at Ross Dress for Less and people would pull on the doors, we used to stare at them and laugh, we would just point to the hours sign. My library is an open concept, so it's not quiet, yours seems not only large but quiet. Agreeing on the healthy work environment, everyone at my library is great, truly makes a difference.
This was fun to watch! I used to work as a library assistant here in Sweden for like 5 years. It was fun but challenging working with customer service.. A lot more social than many people think! You meet all kinds of people really and I had a few bad experiences, butI liked my job for the most part. Your daily must do morning tasks are the same as what I used to do :) And the part about visitors not reading the signs about when the library opens and trying to get in before opening is SO familiar 🤣😅 People really don´t read signs🙄
I love this video. I’m starting a certificate program in library technology in 10 days. It’s offered at my community college, they are adding a digital archiving certificate starting in the fall too! I’m excited 😊 my question is about the programs you mentioned you sometimes run for adults or children. What are your responsibilities as far as those?
Im not ahead of children's events since I'm the adult coordinator but I basically just run the adults programs such as painting classes, crochet club, book clubs, crafting classes, movie days etc. I just plan them and set them up myself with the budget we are given.
Loved this video! Interesting to see a peek into your daily life at the library. I must know what is that little corgi shark dude on the top of your kindle? He is so cute. :D
Everywhere is different so it's hard to say. Just be yourself and confident in your knowledge in books and your abilities. Especially to what you can provide to the community as a library worker.
Hi Alyssa! I loved this video! Thank you for sharing what it’s like to work as a library assistant. I’m actually a library technician student myself! Not sure if other countries have this type of credential, but in Canada we have a 2-year diploma called “Library and Information Technology,” or some variation of that title for the program. I’m in my second year and I’m about to do my practicum in April. I don’t have a lot of customer service experience which intimidates me, because I my studies have taught me a LOT of what really goes on as a library worker. I still have a long way to go, but I was wondering if you had any advice for aspiring/up-and-coming library workers? And what are ways that you cope with the emotional labour of working in a library? Sorry this was so long.😅 Thank you!
Wait this is insane, I was in an arts magnet program from 6th-12th grade, tried 1 semester of game design community college, gave up because i hated it, am now content with my veterinary assistant job (took an optional 3 month certificate program) and just applied to volunteer at my local library to see if this is a career path im interested in. I hear you man school is rough.
This was a great video. Thanks for the clarifications as well. I'm applying for a job as a librarian assistant of sorts tomorrow, so hopefully it goes well :)
This is such a funny video rec because I've been telling my friends and family I've been wanting to work at the library. 🤣 Also off topic but I LOVE your hair color!
this was a helpful video as i am working to get my Masters in Library Science! my program offers a lot of different things you can "specialize" in lol the program basically has a route u can take that will mean you're able to work as a librarian at a school, which is good considering often the librarians at schools around me are actually other teachers or other staff members with other responsibilities that usually need to take precedent. i am considering working to get this specific degree, but i have time this is only my first semester in the program & my advisor says we can talk more abt it next semester lol edit: i worked in my college library when i was getting my bachelor's having to learn the Library of Congress Classification System was a big change from growing up using the Dewey Decimal System at my school or public library lol & was a big ole nerd in middle school who became a helper at my middle school library, the library was closed during the start of lunch but the librarian would let us kids who were helpers or just regularly hung out there come in at the time it was technically closed & if we brought a lunch tht was like a sandwich she'd bend the rules for us & let us eat in there as long as we carefully cleaned up :) ADHD has removed her name from my memory but she made middle school bearable for me & was also a guidance counselor because again schools around me often don't have a dedicated librarian which is kinda sad also growing up literally from kindergarten to senior year of high school the local public library was within a reasonable walking distance PLUS it was across the street from a local diner so kids would get treats & then sit in the library lawn eating before going inside lol just.... libraries are important & probably the last place left that does not expect you to spend money to be there, like the creator said librarians often operate like social workers & libraries are sort of like community centers in terms of being a place with resources for those who need them SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY! GET A LIBRARY CARD TODAY!!
Fellow library assistant here! What cataloging software does your system use? I just ask because we use Evergreen at mine and the ui looked veerrrryyyyy familiar to me lol!
This reminds me of when I was younger, the local library had a "teen room" which adults and people under 13 or so weren't allowed to go in. If you cant go in there, you can't check out the books in there, the issue? ALL OF IT IS MANGA, like man that sucks that you can't really get any of it unless you're a certain age :/ I know if I still lived near there I would be really disappointed not being able to check out books because I'm too old. Honestly I still love YA books and I'm 25 lol.
How did you get this job?? Did you apply online?? In person?? I want to work in a library, but I can never find library assistant positions online in my district… I don’t know what I’m doing wrong
Library jobs tend to be very competitive. In my area it’s hard to get them, and when they do come up they get so many applicants you need to apply the day you see the job posting come up because it’s gone that quickly.
Yes i create them! I typically do more craft related events like painting, crochet, diamond painting etc. Sometimes we throw tea parties or do cozy movie days
I'm so very happy to not work in a library. It used to be a dream but I heard too many stories of toxic people like workers or customers and I hate it.
You should look into those online universities, where you can already get a lot of credits for your work experience. And it’s virtually free (meanin extremely cheap). Like university of the people and other ones like these. Maybe you can get a degree with little work and effort and then get paid a few dollars more.
Glad the algorithm showed me this! My question is, do you think volunteering can help someone be more likely to get a position? Im assuming yes to some degree, but im just wondering you have seen that personally
UA-cam is pushing out this video, so I wanted to address a couple of things not mentioned:
My job isn't just "shelving
books all day" and to say that is honestly quite disrespectful. I did show only the "easy" parts of the job bc i dont want my
employer to think I'm
talking negatively online
about it.
1) The job can be very
physical and emotionally
taxing. Being a library
worker means you are
also a social worker. I had to take mandated
reporter training because i am constantly around children and people being neglected by their
parents and the system. Homeless people pretty much stay in the building while we are open because we are the only place they are safe to go.
2) Just because you like to read doesn't mean this job is for you. It's rare that you'll be just sitting and reading during your shift at most places. Also, this job is not for introverts, it's a big customer service job, and you have to talk to people and run programs consistently. I'm socially exhausted every day coming home from talking so much.
3) Alot of my days are spent just helping older people learn how to turn on a computer. I also have to help veterans
with the VA bc the VA
doesn't give af about them.
4) Being a library worker is very rewarding because i actually feel like I'm doing something to help the community, but you have to deal with alot of BS.
Also, I got very lucky to
have good management
and great coworkers, but that's very rare. There is
a lot of turnover at the
other libraries due to
drama and bad
management.
Thats why i said that my
experience with the job is a positive one, but it may not be like that
everywhere.
Libraries are one of the
only places nowadays
where everything is
literally free.
We are here to be a
resource and help people the best we can, but that also means that we work on a strict budget and we
are trying our best with
little money to do so.
Thanks for watching 🩷
Rant over
Thank you for posting this. I will be a year working at my cities library in Feb. We have two locations and we get transferred back and forth. I am at my main location 90% and it’s like the city Hub. Always busy, between customer service, shelving, computers and the children department there’s ALWAYS something to do. Processing our Interlibrary loans is probably one of the most taxing tasks while also trying to help patrons constantly with their needs! I got this job thinking it was so low-key but honestly people do not realize what it takes to work in one. I was so overwhelmed my first couple months there, Working a full time shift with the public is very exhausting on top of learning 101 new skills. I am so thankful for having amazing coworkers who make the days worth it!
So important! I thought I wanted to be. Librarian when I got my general studies bachelor degree so I worked at my local library, very physically taxing!’ I was a clerk and at my library that was primarily shelving and pulling holds etc, I had to stop after 6 months bc my feet were in too much pain (also found a WFH job)
Also the social worker aspect, very true, I was in a more affluent area so I didn’t see a lot of homeless people but I do know a lot of the circ desk staff helped a lot of people homeless or not; I also had to be a mandated reporter, a guy would come in and look at weird pictures of kids on Google for hours like everyday, so that was very emotionally taxing since we couldn’t do anything about it either 🫠
God bless ❤
Exactly why I love libraries.
I am very grateful for libraries 🥹 they really are a safe place for many ❤ thank you for what you do for your community!
A healthy work environment is so important. Most people don’t want to work, but when you don’t have to deal with anxiety and negativity surrounding work it makes such a huge difference.
@@kaitlyng.473 I totally agree… it makes such a difference when you are surrounded by positive and nice ppl
Right? I worked at a grocery store for a bit and I was BULLIED by bored coworkers who hated their jobs
@@bramstokerfan I’m sorry you went through that… I was bullied by my coworkers too… people can be so cruel. You are much stronger than all those bullies put together! Sending love and positive vibes your way
No, people want to work but they don't want to work in horrible environments for wages they can't live on. The UK doctor's strikes are a case in point.
Maybe you don't want to work ....
Academic Librarian here, former public library manager, I loved this video and also thank you for your pinned comment! So many folks don't realized that the library is both a customer service job and while it can be SUPER rewarding, it can also be physically and emotionally taxing, especially when you get a problem patron. Thanks for taking us to work with you, i really enjoyed it! There isn't a lot of library worker content on UA-cam so I really appreciated this. :)
As a fellow library assistant, I feel all the hardships of no empty carts, and people's lack of sign reading and yanking on the doors.
Yay love this type of content. I've always wanted to work in a library.
You should!
I heard you have to study a lot for it @@LoveandMisses
As a fellow reference assistant, it is the most rewarding job. I’ve never loved a job more. The best environment and management. The work is a good pace and nothing is ever too overwhelming like past corporate jobs I’ve had. I truly love it
I take this as a sign. Next week i have a meeting at my local library. I'm scared but excited
Good luck. I was a lib ass and loved it. Interview tip, do not say you want the jog as you love to read (you aren't being paid to read - they say). Say it's because you're sociable, love helping people, buidling a sense of community, working with you to promote skills etc etc. When you get the job, remember to smile smile smile, i used to get pain in my face from smiling so much but i got a lot of complements from customers, both written and verbally to bosses, for being so friendly, approachable (in non-work life, er not so much lol). Fingers crossed for you.
You got this! ❤
It took me forever to land a library aide job. I had to get a college certificate in library science.
@@fionamclean6533 Totally agree! My library director always says hiring someone to work in the library who wants the job to read is like hiring someone someone for a bakery who likes cupcakes. 😆
@@kay.carroll lol. That has made me wonder how many people do go for a job in a bakery and say that! 🤣🤣
I was a full-time library assistant for 25 years and retired eight years ago. Your comments in the description are accurate and the reason why I’m a happy retiree - never missed it even one day!
Wow you're so understaffed that's why funding is needed for our libraries
We have 6 staff members which is decent tbh we just have alot of circulation which is hard to handle
It is so kind of you to awful such insight into your life / job etc. Your job is an important and noble one. We appreciate your contributions. Learning from you!
Yanking on the doors is so real. Thanks for showing the challenges/ activities of many library workers
Heavy on the READ THE SIGNS. As a library clerk, I feel her pain. 😆
I’m also a part-timer library assistant and love my job! I’m starting my masters in library science later this year.
I applied to a library assistant job in my area, and tbh, I'm kind of glad it didn't work out because I am more aware now of the social aspects and I was trying to get out of customer service work so it would have been too similar in the areas that exhausted me (though I love books). I'm lucky to be working in a lab right now, away from people outside of coworkers and with only my work to do. I respect your job and the difficult parts of it :-) My least favorite customer interaction was when I worked at a restaurant and we'd unlock the patio door (to clean the patio!!) before opening, customers would try the front door, realize it was locked, then walk into the restaurant from the patio and stare at me while I mopped like I was supposed to help them. Yes, we had signs saying we were closed. No, they never read them. I certainly don't miss that.
I don’t understand people, I stg 💀
I worked in retail for many years and hated the customer service aspect of it. People were awful. However in the library it is much better. Very little money is involved and no coupons! People are typically happy to be in the library so they are much nicer.
I’m also a PT librarian assistant in a historical building with a rescued cat that lives in our library. I’ve also looked into a MA to move up, but I’m 53 and I don’t want $70K in student loans without a significant income increase. And I don’t want the added stress. (I was a teacher through Covid…)
My library is so tiny! I do the check in/outs, holds, our website, adult and kids’ programming, cataloguing, computer help, phone, and shelving. I also do volunteer work for the cat rescue our cat came from and appointments for the free tax help we give and combined programming with an elderly nonprofit. It’s a full job! And I love it! 🥰
I wish we could have a cat!!! 😭😭
@@ReadwithAlyssa Our patrons love the cat! Sometimes they simply come in to see him! LOL
Such an interesting vlog! I am a specialist for media and information services in a German library and I really liked seeing how the job is done overseas
Me too!
How is it done over there?
I always say my favorite me time is at the library. The original self care ❤
Thank you soooo much for including your comment as a preface abiut library workers. I've love what I do but I've had to reevaluate how I work my mental health to be accommodate my job. And how I can maintain and balance everything, while being okay and serving the public. I've been thinking of goals to do this past winder into 2025 of how I need and want to slow down, so I can meet those needs.
from one library worker to another, happy new year!!! :D it's so funny how we both basically got the same job the same way LOL. i totally understand not having a good work environments with past jobs. my current library job is also the healthiest job i've had too 🥲 i hope this year treats you well! this was such a nice video to watch.
I secretly aspire to be a librarian but I am stuck working a stinky corporate job. I loved your video! ❤
go get tht job, the time spent finding a library adjacent job vs time spent just dragging your way thru your current job will pass anyway why not try to work on something you seem passionate abt
This is such a great video! I’m actually just about to leave to head to my own job at a local library where I’m part time and my actual job is to put the books away we are called Pages. I know the pain of kids books they were my least favorite cart to put away when I first started. I do dream of getting a full time job at my library one day as a circulation assistant where we deal with the books in the catalog more and the checking in and out of the books. Thank you for showing part of your day at your library!!
more library assistant videos! it was so relaxing and cozy
I've always wanted to work in a library myself so I absolutely loved this video!!😊💜📚 Would love to see more vlogs like this in the future!! Happy New Year by the way!!! 🥰🎄🎁✨
I think most ppl don’t release the amount of labour required, shelving books can lead to a lot of wrist injury or rsi - I don’t miss that tbh
My fave part was picking the books for the displays displays, especially the kids
This! The tasks of lifting books consistently is very tiring
i think people vastly underestimate the size of library collections, also! to a patron, it may only look like a fairly manageable collection but when you're shelving, maintaining and tidying a collection of 20k+ books, it's tedious work! quite often we will weed books and, in doing so, have to shuffle the entire collection along the shelves. that means you're physically moving 20k+ books, often academic texts that are CHUNKY, and it's painful! there have been days where i've woken up with very very achey limbs because of it.
I loved being a library assistant. I worked as one in undergrad all 4 years. I miss it 💞
it was fun to see what the librains do at the library ty for showing this to everyone 😊... congrats on your fun job at the library 😊...
This was really interesting! It also reminded me that I should go support my local library although I suspect they don't have a lot of what I typically want to read.
That's an easy solution to solve, though! If they don't have any of the books you want, they can easily transfer them over from another library to yours and or order them for you to read!
@ Oh, nice! I am from Germany so I don’t know if work exactly like that but I’ll have to check it out and ask!
@Tirpse87 yes! Every library system is different so it doesn't hurt to ask them :) they may even have ebook resources
@@Tirpse87Man kann auch hier in Deutschland immer Anschaffungsvorschläge bei den Bibliotheken machen. 😇 Geht meist tatsächlich auch online.
I used to volunteer at a library back when I was a teenager. Filling up donation boxes with books that people donate to the library, then are sent to Used Book Stores and Book Fairs.
I truly miss it.
First of all bluey and bingo jibits!!! And Cam the cat!!! The way I lowkey want your job because I miss going to the library! I love this vlogs at work!!! Can’t wait to see more
As a librarian in digitalisation and the archives of a huge scientific library in Northern Germany, I appreciate this video very much!
This was a fun video. Thank you for showing us around and showing is what you do. I’ve always wanted to work in a library.
Working in a library (or bookstore) sounds like a dream job! Thanks for sharing this video. 📕
This job sounds heavenly. I wish i coulddo this
Randomly found this vid and already so interested, and appreciative to have it on to co work! I’m only a couple mins in but it’s so cool to hear your coworkers are supportive of UA-cam!
I was so excited when I saw a library assistant job open at the library right next to my house. Sadly, anyone who works there has to have some kind of college degree. They keep saying I can volunteer but I just don't have the time on top of my current job. Maybe one day I'll find a library job where i don't need one
You’re so lucky to have your own desk, and to be able to read during down times! We have to be constantly working on something 😢
@too_tired_for_this ive noticed that when we are crocheting or reading at the desk, we get asked more questions by patrons and we can recommend new books or promote our crochet club :)
Love this video!! I did one of my work study jobs in college at our public library . ❤❤❤
There’s always at least one person who wants to come in before opening hours - the customer service part was rough for me too
I like that if it’s meant to be it will be ! Congrats! I applied for a library assistant job back in Dec my application got referred to the manager. For right now I’ll take any chill environment until that library opportunity arises.
Library AV support here and I love everything you addressed here!
I have worked at several libraries as a library assistant or library aide and I can attest that you've summed up the job very well. My favorite part was pulling the holds. I felt it was like a treasure hunt. But, yes, as you said in your "rant," it is quite physically taxing, which is one reason I went back to my work-from-home editing job (the pay is better too). I met a lot of great people working in the libraries, though, and am still very close with a few of them. It's rare to work somewhere in which the public is put ahead of profits. Thanks, Alyssa, for this video.
I usted to work as a library assistant in a school library (my mom was the director of that school so she talked to her boss who was the owner of that school to get me that job) so I’m thankful to her for that
yay! it's always lovely to see other library assistants at work. it really is a very special job, and one that i think people often vastly underestimate the role, responsibilities and (sometimes) pressures of! i would love to watch more of these in the future. 🤍
I'm just a volunteer, and so far I haven't done anything but shelving, but I agree with you on the children's books! They get insane 🤣
i miss having this job!!! it was so rewarding, i worked at a college. :)
I am a library manager in the UK 😊 I love my job and wouldn't change it. And I agree to say all we do is shelving is very disrespectful, if you would like a better idea then go in to your local library.
In my state a librarian needs to be in building any hour it’s opened to the public.
This is such an awesome video. I wanted to work in a library so badly when I was young, but went into another career. I didn't know some libraries have volunteers though, I'm going to look into that in my area.
enjoyed the different style vid!
I just looked up working at a library and found your video 😊 I enjoyed it and hope you do more like it .
You work my dream job 😮❤ proud of you for pursuing something you actually love! I can’t work (I’m on full disability) but this would’ve been so lovely 🥰
i would love to work in a library. i worked in my high school library during my senior year and it was soooo much fun.
Ahhh our paths are sort of similar, i was working in the animal industry prior to my job in the library that i got last may and also we are both body modded baddies ❤
Librarian in Australia here, watching this before I have to head into work at my own library and do this same routine haha! 😂
Hello fellow assistant! It's nice to see what another system does. When I worked at Ross Dress for Less and people would pull on the doors, we used to stare at them and laugh, we would just point to the hours sign. My library is an open concept, so it's not quiet, yours seems not only large but quiet. Agreeing on the healthy work environment, everyone at my library is great, truly makes a difference.
@@sypherianlp it's not quiet 😭 kids screaming all day
This was fun to watch! I used to work as a library assistant here in Sweden for like 5 years. It was fun but challenging working with customer service.. A lot more social than many people think! You meet all kinds of people really and I had a few bad experiences, butI liked my job for the most part. Your daily must do morning tasks are the same as what I used to do :) And the part about visitors not reading the signs about when the library opens and trying to get in before opening is SO familiar 🤣😅 People really don´t read signs🙄
My deaf sister and I Loved your video,I have mainly worked in Schools and love books 🥰👍
I love this video. I’m starting a certificate program in library technology in 10 days. It’s offered at my community college, they are adding a digital archiving certificate starting in the fall too! I’m excited 😊 my question is about the programs you mentioned you sometimes run for adults or children. What are your responsibilities as far as those?
Im not ahead of children's events since I'm the adult coordinator but I basically just run the adults programs such as painting classes, crochet club, book clubs, crafting classes, movie days etc. I just plan them and set them up myself with the budget we are given.
@@ReadwithAlyssathanks! 💕
Very nice. I had to get a college certificate in library to get someone to hire me. But it’s the best job ever. ❤
Loved this video! Interesting to see a peek into your daily life at the library. I must know what is that little corgi shark dude on the top of your kindle? He is so cute. :D
It's a mofusand cat hipper :) they are in little blind boxes from Japan
@ReadwithAlyssa ooooh thank you, *adds to cart* 🤭
oh I'm so glad this came up in my recommended!! I'm hoping to become a library assistant!
This is my dream job 🥺🥺 it sounds so peaceful. I also want to be an author too. So like being an author and working at my local library … bliss. ❤️
I have a job interview at the library, is there anything I should expect? Any tips?
Everywhere is different so it's hard to say. Just be yourself and confident in your knowledge in books and your abilities. Especially to what you can provide to the community as a library worker.
Hi Alyssa! I loved this video! Thank you for sharing what it’s like to work as a library assistant. I’m actually a library technician student myself! Not sure if other countries have this type of credential, but in Canada we have a 2-year diploma called “Library and Information Technology,” or some variation of that title for the program. I’m in my second year and I’m about to do my practicum in April. I don’t have a lot of customer service experience which intimidates me, because I my studies have taught me a LOT of what really goes on as a library worker. I still have a long way to go, but I was wondering if you had any advice for aspiring/up-and-coming library workers? And what are ways that you cope with the emotional labour of working in a library? Sorry this was so long.😅 Thank you!
I’m starting a similar program here in California in 10 days, so I was glad to see your comment. Best of luck to you! And high-five! 😊
that is so exciting! I hope you enjoy it. best of luck, high-five!🫸🫷
@@meghanliaz4232thank you! 🫸🫷💕
I love this! Im so happy you're happy in your career and your life!! Sending you love this new year!
please do another one of these!!
I'm a library professional as well. word of advice: be careful about filming at work. My library system is super strict about stuff like that.
It's not against the rules. They hired me knowing my full time job was UA-cam.
@ that’s a relief. Glad they have your back! 😊
How'd the interview for the job go? What did they ask, and how did you answer?
I was so excited to see this post!!
Hey Alyssa, thank you for sharing what you do for work. It was a fun video. HAPPY NEW YEAR'S Alyssa🎊🎉🎊🎉🎉 2025🎉🎊🎉🎊
Really enjoyed this video!!
FAMILY!! 🥰
Wait this is insane, I was in an arts magnet program from 6th-12th grade, tried 1 semester of game design community college, gave up because i hated it, am now content with my veterinary assistant job (took an optional 3 month certificate program) and just applied to volunteer at my local library to see if this is a career path im interested in. I hear you man school is rough.
This was a great video. Thanks for the clarifications as well. I'm applying for a job as a librarian assistant of sorts tomorrow, so hopefully it goes well :)
I’ve always wanted to be a librarian specifically at an elementary school. I got my nursing license though 😅
This is such a funny video rec because I've been telling my friends and family I've been wanting to work at the library. 🤣 Also off topic but I LOVE your hair color!
Thank you!
Love the space buns🩷🖤🩷Happy New Year🎆
this was a helpful video as i am working to get my Masters in Library Science! my program offers a lot of different things you can "specialize" in lol the program basically has a route u can take that will mean you're able to work as a librarian at a school, which is good considering often the librarians at schools around me are actually other teachers or other staff members with other responsibilities that usually need to take precedent. i am considering working to get this specific degree, but i have time this is only my first semester in the program & my advisor says we can talk more abt it next semester lol
edit: i worked in my college library when i was getting my bachelor's having to learn the Library of Congress Classification System was a big change from growing up using the Dewey Decimal System at my school or public library lol
& was a big ole nerd in middle school who became a helper at my middle school library, the library was closed during the start of lunch but the librarian would let us kids who were helpers or just regularly hung out there come in at the time it was technically closed & if we brought a lunch tht was like a sandwich she'd bend the rules for us & let us eat in there as long as we carefully cleaned up :) ADHD has removed her name from my memory but she made middle school bearable for me & was also a guidance counselor because again schools around me often don't have a dedicated librarian which is kinda sad
also growing up literally from kindergarten to senior year of high school the local public library was within a reasonable walking distance PLUS it was across the street from a local diner so kids would get treats & then sit in the library lawn eating before going inside lol
just.... libraries are important & probably the last place left that does not expect you to spend money to be there, like the creator said librarians often operate like social workers & libraries are sort of like community centers in terms of being a place with resources for those who need them
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY! GET A LIBRARY CARD TODAY!!
what kind of programs do you run for adults?
Crochet club, diamond art club, painting classes, crafting classes etc
Love this!!
Really enjoyed this. Sounds like a lovely job to have.
Also I loved the video! I want to get back into reading :D
Bless the algorithm. This was a neat video.
Great library job vlog. 📚☕
Fellow library assistant here! What cataloging software does your system use? I just ask because we use Evergreen at mine and the ui looked veerrrryyyyy familiar to me lol!
Yeah lol I hate it 😂
Oh my goodness, my regular library, isn’t this big! They are moving locations though, so that’s a plus
I love the video ❤I’m new to your channel ❤
ooh did I hear H3 on at the beginning? H3 & books - subscribing :D
The library system where i am no longer give out fines
This reminds me of when I was younger, the local library had a "teen room" which adults and people under 13 or so weren't allowed to go in. If you cant go in there, you can't check out the books in there, the issue? ALL OF IT IS MANGA, like man that sucks that you can't really get any of it unless you're a certain age :/ I know if I still lived near there I would be really disappointed not being able to check out books because I'm too old. Honestly I still love YA books and I'm 25 lol.
That's very strange for a public library to have sections separated like that. Ours is not like that at all.
How did you get this job?? Did you apply online?? In person?? I want to work in a library, but I can never find library assistant positions online in my district… I don’t know what I’m doing wrong
The position showed up on the county website, since it's a government job
Depending on how large your district is they may just not have any open positions, people tend to get them and stay in them for a long time.
Yeah I'm the newest person and have been there 1.5 years, my coworkers have been there like 8+ years
@@ReadwithAlyssa yeah I’m going to keep looking as I really want to work in a library too
Library jobs tend to be very competitive. In my area it’s hard to get them, and when they do come up they get so many applicants you need to apply the day you see the job posting come up because it’s gone that quickly.
What kind of adult programs? Do you get to create them?
Yes i create them! I typically do more craft related events like painting, crochet, diamond painting etc. Sometimes we throw tea parties or do cozy movie days
C'était vraiment intéressant
I'm looking for a job like this in my city like crazy, but every time I find one, someone else is already working there :(
That is awesome you got your dream job. I wouldn't mind a job just sorting and putting books away. wouldn't have to worry about drama.
@Gamergirlyoshi there is drama at many libraries unfortunately 😂 I just got lucky and work with people I like
I love to go to the library i am just wondering if you work in a public/ free library or if it is a county library?
@victoriawilson3147 it's a public library and it's free but I work for the county?
I'm so very happy to not work in a library. It used to be a dream but I heard too many stories of toxic people like workers or customers and I hate it.
Unfortunately that's the reality at most places, not specific to libraries
Where did you get your iPad case? I love this content :) really relaxing and fun.
It's linked on my Amazon storefront under the iPad section!
Great video ❤
You should look into those online universities, where you can already get a lot of credits for your work experience. And it’s virtually free (meanin extremely cheap). Like university of the people and other ones like these. Maybe you can get a degree with little work and effort and then get paid a few dollars more.
Very much liked! Happy New Year!!!🎉🎉
Glad the algorithm showed me this! My question is, do you think volunteering can help someone be more likely to get a position? Im assuming yes to some degree, but im just wondering you have seen that personally
I haven't seen that personally since all of our volunteers are retired people, but i don't see how it wouldnt be a positive
I work in a library too!!!!!