State Library Victoria has decided to abandon its controversial restructure plan following significant backlash from staff, unions, and hundreds of Australia’s leading writers and academics. The decision comes after The Age reported in November that the proposed changes would drastically reduce the number of reference librarians and public-facing roles, while introducing new digital positions that many felt compromised the library’s core services.
The library initially intended to cut reference librarian positions from 25 to 10, eliminate other key roles, and reduce public computer access. However, the proposal faced severe criticism, prompting the library to reconsider. Christine Christian, the outgoing chair of the library’s board, stated, “After careful consideration of the feedback that we received during the entire consultation process – since September – we’ve decided to withdraw the reorganisation proposal.”
Community and Expert Reactions
The library’s decision to withdraw the proposal was met with relief by many who had voiced concerns. A public rally was planned for Saturday, organized by over 250 signatories of an open letter to Christian, which included prominent writers like Helen Garner and J.M. Coetzee. The letter demanded transparency and a new governance structure, reflecting the community’s desire for more inclusive decision-making processes.
In addition, a Change.org petition garnered 9,517 signatures, while another petition by the Community and Public Services Union, representing library staff, collected 4,425 signatures. These numbers highlight the widespread opposition to the proposed changes.
Library’s Vision and Challenges
Christine Christian emphasized that the reorganization was initially developed to strengthen library services in response to increasing demand and evolving user engagement. “More Victorians are seeking new forms of digital access and expecting services that reflect contemporary learning and engagement,” she said. The library aims to balance these modern demands while preserving its core mission of supporting research, learning, and public access to information.
Christian also pointed out the success of digital innovations like “Mouthful of Dust,” a cinematic web experience about Ned Kelly, which has seen substantial downloads. She noted, “They are accessing the library in a very different way. We are still committed to our role as Victoria’s major research and reference library; that is a key focus.”
Leadership and Future Directions
The library is currently undergoing a leadership transition, with three of its five executive management team members in acting roles. John Wicks, previously the chief operating officer, is now the acting CEO, succeeding Paul Duldig in August. The library is actively seeking permanent appointments for the CEO, chief operating officer, and head of collections positions, both locally and internationally.
According to the State Library’s 2024-25 annual report, there is a 30% increase in online research guide usage, a 40% rise in hours spent on deferred inquiries, and a 68% surge in librarian desk and phone inquiries. These statistics underscore the growing demand for reference librarians and the importance of maintaining robust public access services.
“We pride ourselves on now being recognised as a world-class library,” said Christian, highlighting the institution’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Looking Ahead
The decision to halt the restructure plan allows the State Library Victoria to reassess its approach and ensure it aligns with community needs and its long-term vision. As the library navigates these challenges, it remains focused on evolving with technological advancements and cultural shifts while staying true to its foundational purpose.
The library’s next steps will involve refining its strategy to better support its staff and patrons, ensuring that both digital innovation and traditional services coexist to meet the diverse needs of its users. As the library continues to adapt, it will be crucial to maintain open dialogue with its community to foster trust and collaboration.
