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THE TITLE librarian, the traditional name for a keeper of book collections, is to be dropped by Hampshire library service.

Richard Ward, head of the library service, told staff of the name-change in a series of briefings on plans to restructure the service.

The county council plans to cut 40 per cent of the 60 qualified librarian posts and downgrade a further 30 per cent, paying them less.

Professional librarians who don't volunteer for redundancy can apply for posts re-named "service development officers."

There are also new manager and library officer posts, but nobody in Hampshire library service will officially be called a librarian.

Under the proposed re-structure, senior staff no longer need to be professionally qualified, chartered librarians with a degree in librarianship and information studies. Instead there is emphasis on "customer service skills."

The job description for library officers says they must have experience of working with the public, a good knowledge of books and, preferably, "display and window dressing skills."

Unison, the public sector union, has accused library bosses of de-professionalisation of the service.

John Sadden, a Gosport librarian and Unison steward, said the title librarian dated from "antiquity." He said: "It is quite radical what they are doing and quite brutal. You won't need any professional qualifications to work for Hampshire library service if they have their way."

County councillor Margaret Snaith, the cabinet member in charge of libraries, appeared to be unaware of the name-change.

She said: "It is not the case. We still refer to them as librarians. That is utter nonsense. The public won't want to call them service development officers. I need to look at these job descriptions."

But she added job titles were "operational decisions" for managers to take.

One librarian, who asked not to be named, said: "Some of us have been professional librarians for 20 and 30 years and now they have suddenly decided they don't need our knowledge, experience or training. Morale is rock bottom. So many people have volunteered for redundancy I think they are worried they will not have enough professional staff left."

The county council has confirmed it will not need to make any compulsory redundancies due to the number who have asked to leave.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, councillor Ken Thornber, defended the re-organisation, saying: "Our aim is to develop a new structure which is affordable, aligned to modern service delivery and allows staff to work to their strengths. It is aimed at creating clearer accountability, shorter communication lines and increased ability to respond to customer needs."

9:30am Friday 20th April 2007

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