Contractualization of Library Personnel: Compromising the Core

Libraries are key institutions in providing access to knowledge, promoting lifelong learning, education, and research. They will be effective not only because of collections, infrastructure, digital technologies but also because of qualified, committed and professionally competent library staff. But the trend of contractualisation, outsourcing, and temporary positions has become a serious issue in the world of library and information science. While contractual employment might offer the flexibility of administration and the immediate savings of cash, it can also lead to over-dependence, which can have a negative impact on job security, professional autonomy, institutional continuity and quality of library services. This article explores the implications of contractualisation for library staff and the core library functions in a critical manner. It presents the argument that a focus on library cost containment at the expense of library professionalism could erode the intellectual and institutional values of libraries. The article ends by calling for openness in recruitment, fair conditions in employment, professional recognition, ongoing development and sustainable staffing practices which support the fundamental purpose of libraries.