SLV controversy continues
State Library Victoria (SLV) has responded in more detail to media reporting of a leaked document outlining job and service cuts and redeployments. Over the past two weeks, the SLV’s reorganisation plans have been criticised by a growing number of writers and academics.
News of the SLV’s plans first appeared last month in the Melbourne Age, which reported senior managers had told staff the proposed actions would include “cutting the number of reference librarians from 25 to 10, and dramatically reducing the number of computers available to the public – a critical service for disadvantaged people – from the current 25.”
The SLV responded in general terms to the Age’s report but was unable to resolve concerns about a shift in priorities and a loss of expert staff.
An open letter opposed to the changes has been signed by Helen Garner, Geraldine Brooks, Frank Bongiorno, Alexis Wright, Kate Grenville, Charlotte Wood and around 250 other writers, historians and librarians. Signatories also include senior library alumni Shane Carmody, a former director of collections, and Des Cowley, a former rare books collections manager.
The open letter singles out “the halving of the number of crucial reference librarians”, and recommends a public meeting where the SLV board would explain their plans.
Petitions against the changes have been launched on change.org and megaphone. The Professional Historian Association (Vic and Tas) has issued a “call to action”. A rally organised by the CPSU will take place on 13 December.
Although the Age gave no overall figure for job losses, the Australian claimed last week that “Some 39 jobs would be axed, including four collections staff positions, two family engagement officers and two ‘digital-access’ positions.”
A second statement by the SLV directly addressed the job cuts question while also declaring its “commitment to the people of this state has never been stronger”. According to the SLV, 39 staff positions will “no longer required across the organisation” but 34 new positions will be created. “Where possible, staff in those [abolished] roles will be offered pathways for appointment to roles in the new structure.”
SLV president Christine Christian told ABC Melbourne the proposed reorganisation is “not a cost cutting exercise” and is “still in consultation”, promising there are “no plans whatsoever” to reduce librarian services.
Category: Local news
