Key Takeaways
- The State Library of Victoria is facing criticism from writers, scholars, and researchers over plans to cut jobs and focus on digital projects
- The proposed restructure would result in the loss of 39 jobs and a significant reduction in the number of reference librarians
- The library’s management has been accused of prioritizing "digital vanity projects" over the institution’s core purposes
- Over 220 writers, including Pulitzer and Nobel prize winners, have signed an open letter calling for more public accountability and a public meeting to explain the proposed changes
- A separate petition launched by the library workers’ union has gathered over 2,260 signatures
Introduction to the Controversy
The State Library of Victoria is at the center of a growing controversy over plans to cut jobs and refocus the institution on digital projects. The proposed restructure, which would result in the loss of 39 jobs and a significant reduction in the number of reference librarians, has been met with widespread criticism from writers, scholars, and researchers. Helen Garner, a renowned Australian author, has joined over 220 writers in signing an open letter to the library’s board and executive, calling for more public accountability and a public meeting to explain the proposed changes.
The Importance of the Library
The State Library of Victoria has a long history of providing a peaceful and respectful environment for research and study. Garner, who wrote her first book at the library, remembers it as a "temple of calm" and a "refuge from racket". However, she believes that the library has been transformed into "party central" and that the proposed cuts will "bring disgrace on the name of our city". The library’s role in providing access to knowledge and information is essential, and the proposed changes have raised concerns about the institution’s commitment to its core purposes.
The Proposed Restructure
The proposed restructure would result in the loss of 39 jobs, including a significant reduction in the number of reference librarians. The public-facing workforce of reference librarians would be cut from 25 staff to 10, and many publicly accessible computers would be removed from the premises. Critical information technology roles would also be outsourced. The library’s management has claimed that the proposed changes "reflect the Library’s strong commitment to best serving the community now and into the future". However, library staff have accused the institution’s management of undermining the library’s core purposes in favor of flashy tourist-oriented "digital vanity projects".
The Response from Writers and Researchers
The open letter, signed by over 220 writers, including Pulitzer and Nobel prize winners, expresses alarm at the proposed cuts and calls for a public meeting to explain the plans and reasoning behind them. The letter also recommends reforming the library’s governance to incorporate the views of stakeholders, including scholars and other public users. A separate petition launched by the library workers’ union has gathered over 2,260 signatures, demonstrating the widespread concern about the proposed changes.
The Library’s Response
The library’s spokesperson has stated that the executive has "engaged and consulted extensively and in good faith with staff and the CPSU on the proposed changes". The spokesperson also claimed that the library will continue to provide appropriate computer access for the public to assist with research and reference activity. However, the library’s management has been criticized for not providing sufficient explanation for the proposed changes and for not considering the views of stakeholders, including scholars and other public users.
The Government’s Response
A spokesperson for the Victorian government has stated that the Library Board of Victoria and leadership are responsible for organizational and staffing matters. However, the government’s response has been seen as inadequate, and many are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the decision-making process. The controversy surrounding the State Library of Victoria highlights the importance of preserving the institution’s core purposes and ensuring that it continues to provide access to knowledge and information for all members of the community.