by Keith Richmond
UNISON has stepped up its campaign against cuts and closures being planned in the library service this Christmas. The public service union, which represents most of the 27,000 staff employed as librarians, library assistants and managers in England, Scotland and Wales, says services are under threat as never before. It is concerned that policy changes will lead to privatisation with its “negative impact” on pay, jobs and quality of service.
“The library service is nearing crisis point after suffering years of funding cuts, the deskilling of the workforce and recent threats of outsourcing”, said Unison leader Dave Prentis. The union points out that, as the credit crunch bites, more and more families are feeling the pinch. They need the resources libraries provide.
But a new report – Taking Stock: The Future of Our Public Library Service – reveals that 71 libraries closed in England in 2006-2007. Another 14 closures are planned in Wirral alone next year. Budget cuts have forced the National Library in Wales to shut on Saturdays. Mr Prentis said: “We need a skilled workforce and it would be a good investment for the Chancellor to spend some of his recession-proofing pounds on libraries.”
Unison’s suggestions for the future includes: encouraging staff and communities to help shape the service; catering for users from all backgrounds; and persuading libraries and councils to share information about best practice.
