The Editor,
Re. “Union, CPL at odds over new positions” (The Tri-City News, June 15).
In the article by Diane Strandberg, it’s stated that Coquitlam Public Library director Todd Gnissios “said the library needs people who can work with new technology, adapt to changing needs of the library and offer services outside the confines of the traditional library branch.”
“Everything we’re doing is changing,” he is quoted as saying. “What we have is a structure that can’t respond to that.”
As a retired library staff member, I am offended in more ways than one.
Public libraries are special places. They are not trying to sell you something. You don’t have to go there to get service. They offer many things to many people of all ages.
Whether you think of public libraries as hallowed halls of learning with strict rules, busy community centres of programs for all ages or even the quiet spot to hang out to finished school work, they have been changing since they started.
Coquitlam Public Library started in Centennial secondary school and moved many times before it settled into the two locations presently occupied. Many changes have happened that included new technology and new services provided by the staff.
You hear comments that with all the electronic devices we have now, computers and eBooks to name only two, books would fade away and no longer be needed. Yet library staff have adapted; for example, they teach computer skills and how to use eBooks.
In library surveys, the people of Coquitlam reported that staff are the library’s greatest resource. I am outraged that Mr. Gnissios has no faith in the present staff and is creating six new management positions he hopes staff will bid for, which are really their present positions with a few management duties thrown in.
Libraries and their staffs will always be changing, responding, adapting. Mr. Gnissios, work with yours.
Jo Patterson, Chilliwack
