Gambling the future of libraries
We have labeled those who use furloughs as cowards who make efforts to address tough economic times by punishing all employees rather than eliminating a few. Add public library officials to the list.
Yes, times are clearly tough for many businesses and government entities, but when public services suffer from the implementation of furloughs rather than other cost-cutting measures, risky gambles are taken.
Des Moines city library employees were required to take one week of unpaid furlough as part of the city’s budget reductions for fiscal year 2009-10. But rather than space those weeks off individually throughout the designated timeframe, the decision was made to completely close all six Des Moines locations from Dec. 21 through Dec. 27 and to suspend all library services, including the Web site and online catalog. Even book returns will be closed.
Des Moines Public Library Director Saul Amdursky told us closing for a week is more practical for the library, with those days being the lowest in visitations and circulation. Amdursky also stated that closing all six locations at once made the most sense, as “staggering isn’t a very effective method because people don’t know what library is open and which one is closed.” He said they are trying to create the least amount of havoc for the public.
Those comments sum up the decision, which was clearly about what is most practical for the library, and not the patrons.
Already this year, Friday morning hours have been slashed, as have Sundays. Telephone reference services are restricted to business hours, and we are told more changes will come in a couple months.
Amdursky and others better hope there is more outrage on this decision than just our lonely opinion. If there isn’t, they should get their resumes together and expect further questions about the need for physical buildings and staffing to operate libraries in this modern age.
Losing our libraries would be horrific, as it would only increase the speed of the educational freefall we are now experiencing. Libraries provide a valuable resource to residents of all communities.
But if we can do without it them for a week… CV
