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The OLA Should Oppose Staffless Libraries

130 Comments

M
Mike Bryck
9 years ago

A Library without Library Workers isn't a Library at all!

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Anonymous
9 years ago

In this world of new technology and this digital age, we need Stewards to help navigate all of the information gaps.

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Sandi Plewis
9 years ago

Our libraries need well-informed staff behind the front desk to assist patrons. Staffless libraries discourage the public from using the library system.

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Stephanie Armstrong
9 years ago

Library customers need library workers!

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Mike Rhynold
9 years ago

Horrible idea. Library staff are needed. What's going to happen when someone at the library needs help? Whether it be finding a book or using any of the library's resources

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Nanci Byer
9 years ago

Public library trustee and lifelong library supporter.

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Lara Klymko
9 years ago

Are you for real? You need your head, and your motives, examined.

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Mary Beaty
9 years ago Featured

I am a FORMER public librarian and member of OLA. This is not only misguided in terms of library functions, but also dangerous for patrons. A 'librarian will be available by video' is a ludicrous answer.

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Anonymous
9 years ago

Respect our profession.

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J Soutter
9 years ago

Not a public librarian but as a user, can't believe this trend isn't a joke.

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Denise parks
9 years ago

BC in solidarity with ontario ibrary workers

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Anne Sherlock
9 years ago

If an unstaffed library needs someone yo watch a video scree to see what is happening at an unstaffed library, will this really save money since a staff member will be on call for that branch if there is a problem and in that case; would it not need two staff members to go there for safety's sake?

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Humaira
9 years ago

With staff less libraries where is the liability? In a city like Toronto where there has been many critical incidents already in Toronto Public Libraries, this raises big concerns of safety. People deserve better service. It's a huge step back from the direction we should be moving towards better customer service. Please rethink your decision of support.

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Natalia Mauro
9 years ago

A library without staff is NOT a service. People in communities need librarians and trained staff to promote literacy and help communities thrive.

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Alan Wylie
9 years ago

As a public librarian in the U.K. I'm alarmed at the proposal to introduce staffless library opening in Toronto. In the U.K. and Ireland serious concerns have been raised by users, staff & unions about health & safety, job losses and the detrimental impact on the quality of service provision. See https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.thejournal.ie/readme/staffless-libraries-ireland-2993352-Sep2016/%3Famp%3D1 http://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2016/09/12/health-warning-staff-less-libraries-coming-to-a-library-near-you/ Please reconsider and scrap these damaging proposals.

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Welli Horne
9 years ago

just an active campaign of wage compression, misguided productivity gains at the expense of family wage earners...libraries are not about profit they are about people in our community. More crazy government trying to save money by compressing the more vulnerable members of our communities.....

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Laura Kaminker · petition starter
9 years ago

Great idea from other signatories: I will not renew my OLA membership until the OLA issues a public statement opposing staffless libraries.

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Loretta Ryan
9 years ago

Libraries need librarians!

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Barb Alexander
9 years ago

Library's need librarians

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Viveca Gretton
9 years ago

Staff-less libraries are innovative? Talk about alternative facts. This is a reduction of service. When will our professional body stand up and start advocating for library service?