Mary O'Rourke pictured at home in Athlone with her book, 'Letters Of My Life'

O'Rourke criticises 'crazy' plan to roll-out staffless libraries

Mary O'Rourke has called on Minister Simon Coveney to reverse plans for the introduction of so-called staffless libraries across the country.

A staffless library service would allow registered members to use the library from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

Known as the 'My Open Library’ initiative, it already has been piloted in Sligo and Offaly. Last October, Westmeath County Council announced plans to introduce the concept in the new Moate Library.

In today's Irish Times, Ms O'Rourke wrote an open letter to Minister for Local Government, Simon Coveney.

She said the introduction of staffless libraries was 'a very serious matter' and that Minister Coveney was responsible for funding local authorities which, in turn, fund our libraries.

'How does one access a staffless library? You have your swipe card, you swipe it, you go in, you browse, you pick your book, you come out, swipe again and go home. That is your visit to your local library,' wrote Ms O'Rourke.

'So what happens when there are staffless libraries? There is no conversation, there’s no exchange of views, there’s no hello, goodbye, how-are-you? There are none of the normal pleasantries that one goes through before you ever get to talk about a book with a librarian.

'A library is a place of human interaction. It is a place of conversation; a resource much admired and much valued. Why strip it of the staff?

'I cannot see how this bodes well for the library system of Ireland. Of course county councils have to make cutbacks. We all understand that. But whoever said the cutbacks had to be expressed in the realm of staffless libraries? Whose daft idea was this?

'Under this new era, let’s say two or three young primary schoolchildren seek the help of the librarian about what sources of knowledge they can consult as part of a school project.

'In a staffless library, there will be no one there to meet them to answer their their quest for more information.

'Yes, of course I approve of extended library hours. Who could quibble with such an idea? But please, let them not be staffless extended hours.'

She went on to say that Minister Coveney had proven himself to be 'a politician of substance' and she urged him not to allow 'the crazy, idiotic half-formed staffless libraries to continue under your remit.'

'If they do, and if they become the norm, such a so-called innovation will cast a shadow over your record. I cannot believe that a thoughtful politician like you would wish to see his or her record festooned with a badge of the guy who brought in staffless libraries in Ireland.

'Libraries are important. Libraries are precious. Libraries are wonderful places but we need the staff in libraries so that the full remit of having books to offer to people of all ages; they should remain a beacon for all in our towns, big and small,' she stated.

Ms O'Rourke's open letter to Minister Coveney can be read in full here:
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/mary-o-rourke-on-staffless-libraries-whose-daft-idea-was-this-1.2925772