News
Libraries NI: Strategic Review Phase 1
11/12/2009
NIPSA objects to lack of pre consultation on Strategic Review Phase 1
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Late this afternoon NIPSA became aware of a memo being circulated from the Chief Executive regarding the decisions taken by the Board of Libraries NI this afternoon.
I must advise you that NIPSA had no prior knowledge of the content Strategic Review – Phase 1. I have spoken with the Chief Executive this evening and registered NIPSA’s grave disappointment that we were not made aware of the details of the proposal which were discussed by the Board this afternoon. NIPSA has sought details of the proposals in advance of them being put on the Staff Web tomorrow (Friday). It has also been agreed with the Chief Executive that John McKeegan, the NIPSA Branch Secretary will attend the meeting together with all Branch Managers included in the review. It is also hoped John will be able to attend the meeting in the former Library Headquarters in Ballynahinch tomorrow afternoon as the Board of Libraries NI have proposed to close this building.
Members should be aware that John will not be in a position to answer questions of members as he has no prior knowledge of the presentation being given at that meeting, however at least he will be there to hear at first hand what Management are stating and get an initial reaction from members.
NIPSA is scheduled to meet with Libraries NI Management on Monday morning at which we will be seeking further details of the proposals. Thereafter the NIPSA Branch Committee of Libraries NI will meet on Wednesday 16th December 2009 to consider the proposals and consider how best to respond and engage with members and the wider public.
At this point in time since NIPSA have no details of the content of the proposals. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to speculate, however it is likely that the proposals will contain some rationalisation of the library estate in the Greater Belfast Area. NIPSA will, in the coming days, organise meetings with members in the affected libraries to seek your views and set out a strategy to respond in detail and where necessary engage with the public and political representatives.
A further bulletin will be issued following Monday’s meeting with Management. In the meantime I would ask members to remain calm and be assured that NIPSA will meet with affected members in the coming days prior to and after Christmas. It should be noted Libraries NI intend to commence the public consultation on 11 January 2010 until 5 March 2010. This will give NIPSA sufficient time to prepare and meet with members to address your concerns.
Yours sincerely
ALISON MILLAR
Assistant Secretary
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