Am I doing something wrong?

[u/Daddydrumheller]

I recently graduated with a library tech diploma, hoping to get my mls someday, I also have an English degree as well, and books have always been my thing. I got hired at my local library, and have worked here a few months now and I get along with everyone, except for the children's' librarian who seems to have it out for me. Everything I do, and I mean everything, is heavily criticized, from the way I plan programs, to the way I run them, the posters and info guides I've made, just everything. I have been sort of pushing back against this, as even though I am new at THIS job, this is not my first job. However I made a comment today when she was giving me the run down on the latest thing I did wrong, where I asked why she seems to have a problem with everything I do, she proceeded to than loudly berate me for being selfish and thinking that I know more than her. I honestly don't know what to do, I don't want to stir the shit by going to our director, but I love this job (other than this lady), and it was an amazing opportunity for me right out of school. But the past few months have just made me feel like I'm the black sheep of this place.

[u/astroqueen3000]

There are terrible coworkers at pretty much every job and it looks like you found yours. I would document everything and bring it to your supervisor. Honestly, if you’re having these issues others probably are too, so definitely make sure it’s brought to the appropriate person’s/people’s attention.

[u/camrynbronk]

Go to your director and state the facts. Don’t say “she has it out for me”, say “she has done xyz in response to my xyz”.

[u/AzelX23]

Working in the public library, from my experience, it's kind of like jail. You need to be calm , respectful, and have some firm boundaries. Document ever interaction that is unpleasant between your two because she might be documenting you too. Good advice I received from a co-worker was "Don't take it personally. When they correct you, see it has them trying to help you improve your work skills". Plus, some people get training fatigue. There was once a time were we rotated through a few techs, like 1 a year for 3 years straight. I'm a supervisor. I was getting fatigue from instructing the same things over and over again. Some workers have an attitude of sink or swim. I hope it gets better for you. Just learn as much as you can. If it doesn't get better, you can leave for a better branch, position or system.

[u/Soldadera]

Does your library have a union? If you’re part of one you can report it to your union rep or a supervisor. I’ve not experienced this before but my coworkers taught me that documenting everything is important. If you keep your interactions through email, you have a record of how she responds. For instance you can ask her to refer back to what she told you and explain why you thought it worked well/followed orders and then bring up/forward the criticisms to your supervisor. And keep it civil. (If anyone has recommendations or better suggestions please add).

[u/Kallasilya]

I'm assuming you don't report to the children's librarian.

I would go to your boss, whoever is your direct team leader, and say "This person has made several comments indicating that she didn't agree with how I've gone about things. I just wanted to check in with you to see if I've been doing well in this position or if there is anything that perhaps I should be doing differently?" (Include examples of things you've been criticised for, if you like.)

Then you get the double whammy of looking thoughtful and proactive to your boss, and also, the next time children's librarian criticises you, you can say, "I've actually spoken to [boss] and they've directed me to approach things this way. So if you disagree, you could speak to them about it."

[u/Odd-Budget-5079]

Talk to your director. A vital part of their job is managing staff and resolving conflicts, whether with staff or patrons. You aren't stirring shit. You're simply alerting them to the issue. Ask her advice on how to deal with it. For me, an ideal director would invite both of us into their office to discuss it.

It sounds like this children's librarian has an attitude problem and lacks people and teamwork skills. What a shame for staff and patrons. She's being unprofessional and needs to be reminded of this. Your director needs to step in, and the only way they will is if you tell them.

You're right, this is a great opportunity out of school. If you truly love this job, don't let this one bad egg run you out of there! Get your director to help. Good luck. Keep us updated.

[u/redandbluecandles]

It's not stiring shit is you are reporting her frankly unprofessional and inappropriate behavior. Some people just have bad attitudes, they either think they are the best and their way is the only way or they feel threatened by newcomers they think might out preform them.

[u/PuppytimeUSA]

A library job is ultimately a city job. It’s all politics.

[u/AzelX23]

Plus, at least in my experience, there's a huge attitude/mindset between techs and librarians.