Strike threat as librarian title changed to 'audience development officer'

Published on Monday 12 January 2009 09:12

IT would be difficult to find a more appropriate title for someone who works in a library.

But city council chiefs appear to have decided the term "librarian" does not fit the bill any more.

As part of a major shake-up of the city's library service, staff are set to be re-branded as "audience development officers".

It is one of many changes which have infuriated staff and led to the prospect of strike action.

A union poll saw 95 per cent of staff reject the changes to their terms and conditions, with public sector union Unison today claiming members would consider industrial action over the planned changes.

One of the main issues facing staff are plans to introduce self-service borrowing systems – similar to those found at supermarket checkouts – which would allow customers to borrow books by scanning them in and out themselves.

The move would result in 40 librarians potentially losing their jobs over the next three years.

In the wake of a long-term decline in the number of books being borrowed, city leaders are keen to reshape the city's network of 25 community libraries. This would involve librarians taking on a more educational role, such as running computer courses, holding talks and encouraging young readers through reading groups.

Crunch talks about the changes will take place between the council and unions tomorrow.

Council chiefs today said the changes were necessary to bring the city's libraries into the 21st century, adding that the self- service machines would free staff up for other duties.

But opposition politicians and unions hit out at the proposals.

John Ross, service conditions convener at Unison, said: "We balloted our members and there was a 95 per cent rejection of proposals to change working conditions.

"There are real concerns that the changes will lead to a drop in the level of professional services provided. The latest budget reports also suggest a reduction in staffing over the next three years, so there is certainly a strength of feeling on this issue.

"I would have no qualms over going for a formal industrial action ballot on this."

A trial of the self-service book system has been taking place at libraries in Newington, Blackhall and McDonald Road.

Labour group culture spokesman Paul Godzik said: "The title change seems quite unnecessary to me. Librarians work in libraries, it's simple. What can't be allowed to happen is a downgrading of the role. This has been festering away for a couple of months now – we need the administration to sort this out."

Among the changes to the Capital's library service planned for the coming years is a 15 million revamp and extension of the Central Library.

A spokesman for the council said all of the proposals were about bringing the city's libraries service into the 21st century.

On the issue of self-service machines, he added: "There will always be an appropriate level of staffing in libraries to provide an excellent service to customers.

"Any staff freed up will be used across an expanded, more customer-focused library service for the city."