Call to action: Save State Library Victoria

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The State Library Victoria is seeking to significantly reduce staffing numbers and library services. PHA (Vic & Tas) understands from the media that 15 reference librarian positions will be cut leaving 10 positions available to the public. Other positions under threat include:

  • children’s and family engagement officer

  • four full-time collections positions, and

  • three library officer positions.

We know these job cuts are part of an expansive raft of cost savings the Allan Government is implementing across numerous government departments, agencies and institutions in the public sector. 

Historians work closely with reference librarians and other specialist staff to produce high quality and well-researched histories. Who hasn’t read a history book with a loving acknowledgment to the library staff who supported the research and publication?  

It’s not just access to the collections we love, many PHA (Vic & Tas) members work in the library spaces and have also benefited immensely from SLV programs from Creative Fellows to SLV’s Creative Technologists-in-Residence.  

PHA (Vic & Tas) opposes the cuts and urges the State Government to fully fund the library to expand services, retain staff and maintain its beloved heritage building.  

On 5 December, the State Library of Victoria issued a media release responding to concerns raised about their current Reorganisation Proposal.

What can we do? 

Over the next few months, it is crucial that we continue to remind the State Government of the critical nature of library services, not only to professional historians, but also to the wider Victorian public.  

PHA (Vic & Tas) has published a statement and will lobby relevant politicians to reject the proposed staffing and services cuts. We will advocate for what is needed to enhance the library, especially as the SLV starts to prepare for a new strategic plan. 

We encourage all our members to:  

  • attend the CPSU rally on Saturday 13 December at 12.30pm on the steps of the Library

  • write to your local MPs sharing your concerns and asking them to support fully funding State Library Victoria 

  • Look out for other campaigns rallying to save the State LIbrary and get involved, support, sign and advocate  

 

Resources 

Read the State Library’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan here 

Read PHA (Vic & Tas)’s full statement on the State Library Victoria cuts