Plans to introduce ‘staffless’ libraries in Galway will be resisted – by staff.
And one library assistant has made an impassioned plea to the people of Galway, to oppose unstaffed libraries.
Mary McGinty, library assistant in Westside Library, said “many of the library staff in Galway and around the country are deeply concerned” over plans to roll-out the open-library scheme.
Meanwhile, trade union IMPACT began an industrial action ballot of the country’s library staff over fears that the introduction of ‘staffless’ library services will lead to poorer services and job losses.
The union said management plans for a large-scale pilot of staffless services during evenings and weekends will ultimately lead to completely staffless libraries with sharply limited services to the public.
The union said the extension of staffless arrangements will leave library users unable to get assistance from trained and qualified staff or benefit from cultural and educational events.
IMPACT says this would hit less advantaged communities and individuals hardest, because wealthier and better educated groups generally need less help and can afford to pay for more cultural and educational experiences.
The ‘open library’ scheme involves opening libraries in the early morning, late at night and on Sundays but without staff.
After vetting, members aged over 18 can let themselves in using an identification number. They can browse, borrow, return, use the Wi-Fi and photocopier.
Unmanned cameras can monitor those inside and radio frequency identification tags will ensure that books and other material have to be scanned prior to removal. Oranmore and Ballinasloe libraries have been earmarked for the scheme, which is already in operation in Offaly and Sligo.
Ms McGinty has appealed to the people of Galway to unite to halt the roll-out of unstaffed libraries.
“Our library service has endured years of cutbacks, with massive reductions in staff members and ever-dwindling book funds. This latest government policy has left many library staff feeling angry, helpless and demoralised.
“Here in Galway, we are lucky to have many fine, beautiful library buildings. Westside library opened in March 2004, and I have experienced first-hand how much a local library can mean to the community it serves.
“Now, the very ethos of the public library system in Ireland is under threat, as are our beautiful buildings, their precious book stock and, most importantly of all, the security of those who may wish to use these unstaffed premises,” she said.
Independent County Councillor, Michael ‘Stroke’ Fahy, said he has been contacted by several constituents who are concerned about the plans.
He said that the authorities speak about social inclusion, and positive mental health, and yet pursue policies that reduce social interaction in the community.
“There is concern in the community about this. People don’t want a situation where libraries are not staffed. They want staff to help them choose books in the library and keep a record of what they loan. There is also the issue of a lack of security. People are worried about safety and whether it is wise to have libraries open without staff to monitor what is going on,” said Cllr Fahy.
There was a public meeting about the issue at the Westwood Hotel in October when there was an appetite to resist the plans.
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.
Ms McGinty said there it was time that the people of Galway shouted ‘stop’.
“You, our library members and friends, can make a huge difference. Please help save our libraries by writing and talking to your local councillors and by signing the petition which has been organised by the Our Staff Libraries campaign group. These spirited and inspirational people have already succeeded in halting the roll-out of this policy in libraries in Laois. It is my fervent wish that the people of Galway now do the same,” said Ms McGinty.