UPDATE: The State Library of Victoria is facing an urgent crisis as it has just announced plans to cut the number of reference librarians from 25 to 10 and significantly reduce public computer access. This shocking proposal has sent shockwaves through the library community, raising deep concerns among staff and the public.
The library, which welcomed over 2.8 million visitors in the 2024-25 period and is set to celebrate its 170th anniversary next year, is poised to make drastic changes that many believe will decimate essential services. Staff are now grappling with the implications of these proposed cuts, which include eliminating public computers from 25 to an unspecified lower number, a critical resource for disadvantaged individuals.
A group of six staff members, speaking anonymously due to fears of job loss, expressed outrage over the sweeping changes. “This is an attack on the core services the library provides,” one employee stated. “We are a library for everybody; it’s part of our charter,” echoed another, emphasizing the emotional toll these proposed cuts are taking on dedicated staff.
The proposed restructuring, outlined in the SLV Strategic Reorganisation Change Proposal, also includes layoffs for four full-time collections staff, three library officers, and two children- and families-engagement officers. The leadership team, including newly appointed acting CEO John Wicks and acting head of collections Roxanne Missingham, has faced scrutiny regarding their lack of library experience, with only two of the seven board members having relevant backgrounds.
Amidst rising tensions, library management has argued that reducing the number of public computers addresses safety concerns, a claim that staff vehemently dispute. “Conversations about the proposals have included phrases such as ‘those kinds of people’,” one staff member reported, highlighting a growing elitism within the library.
The reduction in services is particularly alarming as the library has already scaled back its hours since the pandemic, with current hours now 10 AM to 6 PM daily, down from extended hours in 2019. This raises critical questions about access and equity for the community the library serves.
Union officials, including Jiselle Hanna, Victorian branch secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, have voiced their support for affected staff, stressing the essential role librarians play in facilitating access to the library’s vast collection of over 5 million items. “This work needs the skill and knowledge of dedicated staff,” Hanna stated.
As this situation develops, staff are calling for immediate public consultations and transparency from library leadership. “The temporary leadership is trying to push through major ideological changes without serious public consultation,” a source noted, expressing concerns over the potential loss of vital services for the community.
In response to inquiries about the proposed changes, a spokesperson for the State Library stated, “We are currently reviewing how to best support the needs of our visitors and the community now and into the future.” However, many staff members feel this review process lacks depth and fails to prioritize the needs of the public.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. As the State Library of Victoria moves forward with these proposals, the future of library services and support for the community hangs in the balance. Staff and supporters are urged to voice their concerns as this critical moment unfolds, impacting not just library employees but the millions who rely on this institution for knowledge, access, and community support.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to evolve.
