Library Tech Confidential

Library workers to protest ‘out to lunch’ GVLRA policy [CNW press release] : “Beginning today and until further notice, most members of CUPE 410 will be taking their lunch hour at the same time, resulting in the closure of all 9 [Greater Victoria Public Library] branches between 12 noon and 1 pm. Services to the public will not be available during this time.”

The issue? Pay equity.

According to a post the Library’s website, job action has also stopped collection of all overdue fines.

Legislative library should stay open - “The provincial government’s decision to close the B.C. legislature library is difficult to comprehend, even taking into account the apparent need for a seismic upgrade of the 90-year-old building… A [a] core collection of materials will be moved from the library, at the back of the legislature building, to another government building on Superior Street. But many of the items found in the library — and not available elsewhere — will be carted off to a warehouse…” [Victoria Times Colonist]

Legislative library will be closed to make space for offices - “About half the 30 librarians will be sent to other jobs in government. As for the millions of precious, and in some cases priceless, materials in its dusty stacks, a treasure trove of Canadian history filled with the esoteric businesses of governments dating back before Confederation, will be sent to a warehouse. It’s also not clear the institution will ever come back to the legislature since the politicians, who are are short on space, have been eying the cavernous space for a warren of offices.” [Vancouver Sun]