A highly confidential source tells me that plans are at an advanced stage to reduce the number of full time staff in each library to a maximum of one. The other jobs will be done by volunteers drafted in from the community.
If a library can't get enough volunteers then it closes.
This is all very well for the leafy suburbs such as West Bridgford, Arnold or Beeston where no doubt volunteers will be found from the masses of middle classes with time on their hands. Not so good for places such as Ollerton, Worksop and Retford - but as one senior Tory was heard to mutter - "who cares?"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Cutts and co probably think that libraries in North Notts aren't a good idea anyway. Next thing you know all those ex-miners will be learning to read and getting ideas above their station.
ReplyDeleteI use my local library every week, but I think this is a good idea. Libraries are already installing self service check outs so borrowers can return and borrow books themselves. So volunteers would only be needed to help those who can not use the self service points e.g. partially sighted, to return books to shelves and to help with any enquiries.
ReplyDeleteA paid librarian can do all the actual skilled work and recruit and support volunteers. And I think this would work well in disadvantaged areas as well as more middle class areas.