Library service under pressure over staffless plans

The reading public in Galway is resisting plans to introduce ‘staffless’ libraries.

More than 2,700 people have signed a petition in Galway, calling on Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney to halt the roll-out of staffless libraries across the country.

The petition calls on the Minister to engage with stakeholders who have a vested interest in the future of public libraries before continuing with the introduction of an ‘open library’ policy.

Open libraries allow pre-registered library members to access library buildings and facilities outside of the normal staffed opening times.

Members must be vetted first before they are issued with a special access card. Security is provided by un-monitored CCTV cameras.

The scheme is being piloted currently in Sligo and Offaly; and there are plans to roll-out staffless libraries in 23 more libraries around the country, including in Ballinasloe and Oranmore.

Representatives of the Staff Our Libraries Galway campaign took to Shop Street in the city centre recently and garnered over 2,700 signatures, heaping pressure on the minister and Galway County Council to reverse plans to introduce staffless libraries here.

Members of trade union IMPACT, have already balloted on the issue of staffless libraries – more than 90% voted in favour of industrial action if the Local Government Management Agency does not engage with staff representatives.

“Surely library staff should not have to threaten industrial action just to have their voices heard,” said Michelle Walsh, of Staff Our Libraries, Galway.

Ms Walsh outlined the feedback the campaign has received on the streets of Galway.

“Many people shook their heads sadly and wondered what the government is likely to think up next. They described open libraries as ‘daft’ and ridiculous and expressed the fear that the scheme will lead to library closures down the line. Some went so far as to suggest that this might even be the whole aim of the policy, in order to save money on another public service” she said.

Ms Walsh added: “Everyone spoke of their anger and frustration at having to do more and more of their daily business through automated telephone answering systems and machines.

“When it comes to libraries, they felt it is vital to keep the personal touch and the human contact, and for people to have an opportunity to ask a question, or get a piece of advice. On the issue of safety and security, even grown men said that they would not feel safe going into unstaffed premises at night.

“The general view from all those who took the time to offer their opinions on open libraries was that, under this scheme, the ‘soul’, ‘character’, and ‘whole atmosphere’ of the public library service will be lost.

“Minority groups within the community are upset that, under the vetting scheme for open libraries, they may be denied access to library buildings, while library workers do not want to be in a position where they have to judge the worthiness, or unworthiness, of each applicant.

“The core principle of the public library service has always been that it is open and accessible to all. Libraries are places where everyone is treated equally.”

Galway county librarian Peter Rabbitt, who oversees 30 libraries across the city, county and islands with 40,000 members, has said on the record that the scheme is no cause for alarm for the future of our libraries. Oranmore has been approved for funding of €62,000 to introduce the technology while Ballinasloe, the county’s newest facility, will get over €18,000 to convert.

“There’s a bit of a misconception about this with people thinking it will lead to unstaffed libraries. It’s to add extra hours. It doesn’t mean we’re going to reduce staff,” he said.