Did you know that some public libraries are being taken over by a for-profit corporation? What started as a desperate attempt to save libraries threatened with closure is now being considered as a cost-saving measure for healthy library systems. More often than not, the existing staff is replaced with a cheaper, less educated staff who has no job security and no pension plan. The company, L.S.S.I., runs 14 library systems in 63 locations and, in terms of number of branches, ranks as the 5th largest library system in the United States (NY Times, September 26, 2010).
This trend towards privatization brings up some serious concerns:
Is privatization in the best interests of the patrons?
Would services be drastically cut to save money?
How would a new, less experienced staff affect services?
Would employees feel more loyal to the corporation than to the library itself?
Would libraries be more likely to buy only best sellers or discounted books and thereby limit their selection?
For more information, check out the following websites:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/business/27libraries.html
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6561373.html
http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/print/4522
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/iftoolkits/outsourcing/outsourcingamericanlibs.cfm
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/iftoolkits/outsourcing/alaproposaloutsourcing.cfm
Hi from Row 1...
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RE: "How does this make you feel?"
Scared. Very effective & thought-provoking poster.
At the ALA meeting last month there was a booth set up with literature handouts addressing the potential problems with library privatization. Although I believe private business can do an excellent job providing services and employment, I don't think libraries, fire or police service should be allowed to go private. Only if there is threat of losing it totally.
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