Charles Darwin University to slash library staff

Debt ridden Charles Darwin University is proposing to slash library jobs across its Darwin and Alice Springs campuses in a bid to claw back from a $21 million deficit

Charles Darwin University is proposing to slash 13 jobs from its libraries in Darwin and Alice Springs. Picture: istock

DEBT-RIDDEN Charles Darwin University is proposing to slash library jobs across its Darwin and Alice Springs campuses in a bid to claw back from a $21 million deficit.

A confidential proposal for CDU’s libraries shows the number of full time library positions in Casuarina and Alice Springs could be cut from 40 to 27, according to reports from ABC Darwin.

RELATED

CDU on financial brink as deficit climbs to $21 million

Update on Charles Darwin University’s planned cuts

The document also reportedly said the library cuts could save the university more than $900,000 a year.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said the proposed cuts had been recently presented to library staff who will have two weeks to provide feedback, before the university finalise a plan.

“Until CDU has finalised the plan it is inappropriate to talk about the positions that could go and the number of new positions that could be created,” he said.

“The proposed changes are designed to increase capability in business analysis, technology support, eResearch and copyright, contracts and licensing, and bring the employee profile into alignment with other university libraries.”

The university, which is $21 million in debt, has also made controversial changes to its College of Nursing and Midwifery.

In June, internal documents revealed the College of Nursing and Midwifery was expected to lose at least 23 jobs in the NT through the axing of vacant and held positions and the reshuffling of jobs to Sydney.