Renowned Australian author Helen Garner has voiced her strong opposition to the State Library of Victoria’s proposed restructuring, which she claims has transformed the institution into “party central.” The plan, which involves significant job cuts and a shift towards digital projects, has sparked alarm among hundreds of writers and scholars who fear it will “bring disgrace on the name of our city.”
Garner, along with more than 220 other writers, scholars, and researchers, has signed an open letter addressed to the library’s board and executive. The letter calls for increased public accountability following revelations of the library’s intention to cut staff and pivot towards tourist-oriented digital experiences.
Writers Rally Against Proposed Changes
In comments to Guardian Australia, Garner expressed her dismay at the proposed changes, reminiscing about the library’s past. “In the 70s I wrote my first book [Monkey Grip] there. In those days it was a temple of calm, a demilitarised zone, a refuge from racket, right in the middle of the city,” she said. “Then they turned it into a ‘hub’ AKA party central. And now they’re hacking away at the actual librarians? Shame on them.”
The open letter has garnered support from literary heavyweights, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks, Nobel laureate JM Coetzee, and Booker Prize winner Thomas Keneally, among others. The letter was delivered to the library’s board chair, Christine Christian, and the Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks.
Impact of Proposed Restructuring
Under the proposed restructuring, 39 jobs are set to be cut, significantly reducing the number of reference librarians from 25 to 10. Additionally, many publicly accessible computers are slated for removal, with critical IT roles being outsourced. Library staff have accused management of prioritizing “digital vanity projects” over the library’s core mission.
A library spokesperson defended the changes, stating they “reflect the Library’s strong commitment to best serving the community now and into the future.” However, the open letter echoes the concerns of the library workers’ union, CPSU Victoria, which has called for a public meeting to discuss the proposal.
“We the undersigned writers and researchers esteem the State Library of Victoria, and believe strongly in the importance of its public mission,” the open letter stated. “We recommend a public meeting where the board explain their plans and reasoning in detail.”
Broader Implications and Community Response
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about the role of public libraries in the digital age. Critics argue that the proposed changes undermine the library’s traditional role as a bastion of knowledge and learning. The CPSU Victoria launched a separate petition against the cuts, which has garnered 2,260 signatures to date.
The library’s executive claims to have engaged extensively with staff and the CPSU regarding the proposed changes. “State Library Victoria will continue, as we always have, to provide appropriate computer access for the public to assist with research and reference activity,” a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Victorian government emphasized that “The Library Board of Victoria and leadership are responsible for organisational and staffing matters.”
Looking Forward
The debate over the State Library of Victoria’s future highlights the challenges faced by public institutions in balancing tradition with modernity. As the library moves forward with its plans, the voices of its patrons and the public will likely continue to play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory. The call for a public meeting and increased stakeholder engagement suggests that the conversation is far from over.
As the situation develops, the library’s patrons and the broader community will be watching closely to see how the institution navigates these turbulent waters, striving to maintain its commitment to free and equal access to knowledge and information.
