The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on 7 March that a figure published in Governor Rendell’s budget proposal that projected a 90 percent staffing reduction was wrong.
Staffing reductions within the State Library of Pennsylvania are now projected to be in line with a 50 percent budget decrease. This translates to the possible elimination of approximately 28 of the 56 library positions (not the elimination of 50 of the 56 library positions as originally reported by the press based on the budget error). Rendell’s spokesman said more jobs could be preserved if savings can be found in other areas.
As reported on 23 February, the State Library's appropriation would be reduced from $4.8 million to $2.4 million for the fiscal year starting July 1. SLA is following this issue, and would like to hear from you as well. Please contact Doug Newcomb, Chief Policy Officer, with any news that you might have regarding this or other major budget cuts affecting libraries.
These new numbers are indeed the numbers that are now being considered 'official' in the Library.
Unfortunately, however, it means much, much bigger cuts in materials, services, and memberships. The Library won't be able to purchase new materials. Conferences will have to be zeroed out. Cooperative and reciprocal arrangements may well disappear.
There will be a few more people with jobs, but what will they be able to do?
Posted by: Mike Eases | March 11, 2009 at 10:20 AM