Valued Library Service at Risk

THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC LIBRARY MANAGERS INCORPORATED

W: www.publiclibraries.org.nz

Media Release 12th April 2013

Valued Library Service at Risk

A proposal to reduce library services at Queenstown Lakes District Council is a short term cost cutting exercise that will see the high standard of library services downgraded.

Chair of the Association of Public Library Managers (APLM), Paula Murdoch, says that Queenstown Lakes District residents currently have access to library services that are well used and well regarded nationally, but that is now at risk.

“Queenstown Lakes District Libraries are known for their innovation in delivering library services across a large rural community”, Paula says. “However, the current staff reorganisation proposal undermines Council’s ability to achieve its stated goal to provide “high quality library services to a national standard”.”

APLM is concerned at the attempt by QLDC to downgrade the level of specialist expertise to lead the development of library services for ratepayers.
Paula says leading and developing these services requires a level of professional expertise that is sadly absent from the reorganisation proposal.
“Modern public libraries are at the forefront of supporting their communities’ information and literacy needs. To see library services as only being about borrowing a book is an outdated concept.”

Even more astounding is the Council’s assertion that reducing library staffing levels by almost forty per cent and adding other duties to their workload will not result in a drop in service levels.

“I think everyone can do the maths on that,” says Mrs Murdoch. “Council’s attempt to manage its finances prudently is to be commended, but when service levels are being reduced, then ratepayers and residents have a right to have their say on the proposal. Libraries exist to serve their communities and if the standard of that service is jeopardised, then the community should be consulted.”

ENDS

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