Multnomah County libraries plagued by staffing issues
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Multnomah County libraries are taking on a new chapter as many are in the midst of renovations and expansions. Meanwhile, staffing problems are causing trouble at other locations.
This past weekend, the Belmont Library had to temporarily move to door service only because of staffing. Library officials say while they’re trying to limit disruptions, this could happen to other county libraries in the near future.
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“The library system as a whole is undergoing a lot of transformation at the same time,” Shawn Cunningham with the Multnomah County Library, said.
On Friday, a new union agreement between staff and management went into effect, allowing library staff to opt in or out of being a “person in charge” – a position that helps when issues come up at a location or may prevent escalating issues. However, because of that, some libraries have extra people who have chosen to work this role, while others may not have enough, and as a result of the imbalance, library services may be interrupted or move to “door service” where they may get help with basic needs like holds, printing, or faxing, as opposed to the library closing entirely.
“Each library has minimum staffing guidelines by job and they’re different at every library because they’re different sizes, they’re different configurations. If any of those minimum thresholds aren’t met, then the library is not able to open for regular service,” Cunningham said. “It’s a balance of trying to keep the library open to the full extent possible and also to manage safety and security needs in locations that are really dependent on that person in charge.”
Meanwhile, the Central Library is just one of the buildings turning a new page with renovations. While some areas have opened up with communal sitting areas and meeting spaces, one of the most notable differences: shorter stacks. The library says it’s a security reason and after having past issues, they hope this will boost visibility for staff.
“Staff working in the library can see from one end of the space to another so the people have the assurance and comfort of being able to see what’s around them,” Cunningham said, adding, “it’s also a very hard environment to manage for security purposes so we’re looking to make changes that accomplish multiple goals at the same time.”
“Sometimes there are conflicts between people, and sometimes security issues do arise. Having lower shelving takes that element out of the equation and makes for an easier environment to manage overall,” Cunningham went on to say.
As Multnomah County Library looks to expand locations where possible, while maintaining safe staffing levels, they say, ultimately, they need that extra space to meet the high demand of people coming in, adding that while the stacks may be shorter, many copies of books are still kept in their operations center to be used for holds.
“All of our buildings, square footage wise, could fit in Seattle’s central library. There’s just an enormous need there, seeing that Multnomah County Library is one of the most busy library systems in the country,” Liz Sauer with the Multnomah County Library, said. “People are being very patient as the library expands, goes under construction, but we’re really, really hopeful that once they come in the doors, they see what’s happening at Central, Gregory Heights, Capitol Hill, and this summer, Holgate and Midland, we’re really hoping they’re enjoying these updates and upgrades.”
If you’re unsure whether the location nearest you is closed or on limited service, you can find the latest hours or disruptions on their social media or the library website.
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