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New York Public Library

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Disapointing - Anonymous employee New York Public Library Employee Review

2.0
Apr 19, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

NYPL is an amazing cultural institution, with a rich history. The current leadership seems to understand the need to simultaneously preserve that history, while also adapting to shifting needs in the community, and the culture at large.

Cons

While there is vision, there seems to be a lack of understanding and motivation to implement the incremental, step-by-step processes needed to actually enact change. Planning meetings were chaotic and unproductive. And worse, sometimes only for show. There was pressure to pursue projects the organization had no actual interest in, simply to demonstrate the organization's willingness to be political and appease local leaders. There was also a very disappointing culture of mediocrity. Managers seemed to want to preserve non-functional systems simply because they didn't want to bother understanding problems and implementing solutions. There was also a profound lack of understanding of basic data collection and reporting concepts, to an embarrassing degree.

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Pros

Flexible schedule and overall fun work environment

Cons

I don’t have any cons

3.0
May 26, 2026
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Pros

- Unparalleled work-life balance, especially for tech workers. - A very relaxed and friendly environment with no micromanagement. - Generous leave policies. - Most projects have very slow deadlines, so there’s no significant work pressure. - A laissez-faire work culture. - If you’re contemplating retirement, pursuing a master’s degree, or starting a side hustle, this is an excellent place to work.

Cons

- Compensation is significantly below market rate. - Toxic directors and senior leaders favor certain employees and encourage sycophancy. Sycophants are rewarded with benefits such as flexible work schedules and the ability to work remotely. - Promotion is contingent upon being a sycophant. - Directors and senior leaders often avoid the office altogether or have erratic schedules, such as arriving at 7 pm and leaving whenever they please, while simultaneously enforcing strict rules. - If you’re an ambitious individual seeking career growth, this is not the ideal place to be.

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