State Library quells talk of funding cuts as regional users voice grievance at inter-library loan changes

Confusion abounds about changes affecting library users across the South West, with readers complaining of a push towards e-books for country customers. While the State Library says funding cuts are not driving the move, users say the move towards e-books or forcing regional libraries to buy new books instead of the long-existing inter-library loan system is atrocious. Resident Rose Ferrell, who said she was speaking on behalf of many library aficionados and book club members across the region, didn’t believe the changes were about the evolution of the State’s library system and were more about saving money. “This decision’s impact on regional clients comes at a time when library resources are more and more important for country people,” Dr Ferrell said. “We don’t have access to many of the entertainments, educational facilities, retail and service businesses which people in the city can access.” She said libraries were a vital community link for the South West and stories of librarians driving books between towns showed the system wasn’t working. However, State Library services director Susan McEwan said it was incorrect to suggest there had been funding cuts. “The inter-library loans service in regional WA is not being ceased or suspended and there is no reduction in State Government funding for public library services,” she said. “To improve accessibility and offer options to the community, libraries are now offering a choice for people who request an item that is not locally available.” Responding to reports about Busselton librarians ferrying books to other libraries, Ms McEwan said “consortium arrangements” involved a separate system established by local government-run libraries in the South West. “The State Library is not involved in the administration of these consortium arrangements and there has been no reduction in funding for public library services,” she said. City of Busselton acting community and commercial services director Maxine Palmer said the consortia was designed to help all participants access materials. “In response to the State Library changes, the consortia has devised its own solution to share resources by delivering to a central hub in Bridgetown,” she said. “We are working to keep it as close to business as usual for our community.” Shire of Augusta-Margaret River library services manager Heather Auld said inter-library loan processes changed on July 1 following “adjustments” by the State Library to increase focus on e-books. “All regional local government libraries will be affected and will continue to work with the State Library to understand impacts and work collaboratively together to continue providing high levels of library service to our communities,” she said. Ms Palmer said libraries still had the option to pay for specific deliveries if books weren’t otherwise available. Dr Ferrell said older library users and book clubs were disadvantaged by the tightening on resources and licences meant people still had to queue in advance for e-books. “It is an untenable decision which disadvantages regional Western Australians far beyond their city counterparts and must be rescinded immediately,” she said. Shire of Manjimup libraries and cultural services manager Vanda Dei-Tos said most of the feedback about the changes was disappointment.