Library and museum workers, historians to protest planned cuts to State Library and Archives

THE preservation of South Australia’s cultural and historic records is at risk, under proposed cuts at the State Library, the public sector union says.

REVERED INSTITUTION: Gala banquet celebrating the 175th anniversary of the State Library of South Australia in its Mortlock chamber in 2011.

• Job loss fears at State Library of South Australia

THE preservation of South Australia’s cultural and historic records is at risk, under proposed cuts at the State Library, the public sector union says.

Library workers — whose jobs are at risk — as well SA Museum workers and historians, will be among those to attend a rally on Friday fighting to reverse a proposed decision to cut nearly 20 fulltime jobs.

It comes after more than 10 jobs were lost at the State Library during a restructure in 2015.

Public Service Association of SA general secretary Nev Kitchin said they are concerned about the loss of specialist skills, and the impending workload, if about one in five jobs are cut.

“Morale of staff is low as they face another restructure cited by budget cuts,” he said.

Along with jobs, PSA said library services also under threat include a maps specialist, English Language Learning Improvement Service, the copy centre’s ability to supply and print digital and analog photographic archives, reference services and family history which will be integrated with general desk duties.

HISTORY: One of the library’s many treasured holdings ... the Myer Emporium, corner of Rundle St and Stephens Place, when it was previously James Marshall & Co, circa 1910. (Mortlock Library photograph)

Mr Kitchin said the loss of support staff means specialist and skilled staff will be doing basic processing of archival and donated material — resulting in delays for the public.

“The State Library is an educational resource for everyone, including future generations,” he said.

“To provide a quality service to the community it needs to be properly resourced and adequately funded.”

State Library staff and the PSA have been given three weeks to respond to the proposed changes — a consultation period Mr Kitchin deemed inadequate, and fails to involve the community.

The rally will begin at 12.30pm on North Tce, adjacent to the State Library.

More than 750 people have signed two petitions, to show their support for the library to retain its services.