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Library staff on borrowed time as machines take jobs
SUPERMARKET-style check-out facilities being pioneered by Westminster Council will replace eight librarians in January.
The cost-cutting measures will see two posts axed from Paddington, Marylebone, Charing Cross and Victoria libraries.
The council hopes to save £200,000 a year by replacing staff with machines when they retire.
Labour councillors argue the council should focus on retaining skilled staff and make more of an effort to help library users.
Opposition leader Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg said: “Eight library jobs are going this month and you can be sure that there are many more job losses to come as the Conservatives plan their library-dehumanisation plan by bringing in more electronic devices to reduce the need for library users to ever come into contact with a real person.”
He added: “There are some jobs that can never be done by a machine.”
Councillor Daniel Astaire, lead member for community services, said: “State-of-the-art self-service machines have been installed in Paddington and Marylebone libraries and will follow shortly in Charing Cross and Victoria libraries .
“Nobody has or will be sacked as a result of machines being installed.
“Eight posts will be cut by January 31 as staff leave or retire and will not be replaced.
“This move will save £200,000 per year. Far from reducing customer contact, library staff are being freed from routine stamping duties to help readers chose and find books, music and films on the library floor and provide much sought advice and assistance.” |
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