Stamp of approval for staffless libraries in Galway

The Government’s ‘open library’ policy, which allows for the introduction of ‘staffless libraries’ in County Galway, has been rubberstamped.

A majority of Galway County Councillors voted to reject a proposal by Independent Jim Cuddy that would have stopped the roll-out of staffless libraries in Ballinasloe and Oranmore.

Following discussion at the end of the meeting, nine of the elected members present voted against Cllr Cuddy’s proposal and four voted in favour.

The Council subsequently endorsed the ‘open libraries’ policy, which has sparked controversy in recent weeks.

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.

More than 2,700 signatures were garnered by the Staff Our Libraries Galway campaign opposing staffless libraries, which has also caused disquiet among library staff.

Councillors’ endorsement of the open libraries policy could now pave the way for industrial action.

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.

There are fears among some staff, users of the libraries and some elected members that the introduction of staffless libraries with undermine the ethos of libraries, and could lead to closures down the line.

Cllr Cuddy, who represents Athenry/Oranmore Municipal District, criticised the decision of his colleague to give the go-ahead for staffless libraries.

“The extension of public services should not be done at the expense of the quality of that service and this is exactly what is happening in this case. The libraries are monitored by CCTV but these cameras are not manned, so the question also arises of who is responsible if anything happens to a member of the public while they are inside the unmanned library. I believe this is a retrograde step, putting quantity of services above quality and I don’t believe it will result in an improved service to members of the public,” said Cllr Cuddy.

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.