Vantaggi
Excellent benefits and flexible schedule (like any other federal position). What's most exciting are the professional development opportunities. Technicians get support for conferences, workshops, and continuing education, something UNHEARD of in other library systems. The work is interesting, we're encouraged to engage with the other academic activities elsewhere in the institution. The collections are amazing. There are very few institutions in the world that can offer more stimulating work.
Svantaggi
There's a diversity problem, like everywhere in the profession. Also a serious lack of promotion potential. Everyone has an advanced degree and is qualified for the "Librarian" or other professional titles/salaries, yet there's a history of ignoring existing talent when filling these positions. There are a lot of complaints about efficiency in management, and the current administration/congress has severely cut budgets.