So there’s this article today linked from LISNews about Passaic‘s (NJ) consideration of turning over library operations to LSSI. Now I’ve commented on privatization before, but this time it’s the relationship between the city and the library that raises my ire. To wit:
“It’s being rushed through without much attention and thought. We’ve only had the last three weeks to look at it,” said library Director Kathleen Mollica, referring to a proposal from LSSI. “Apparently, the city has been looking into this since February.”
Schaer said that he has indeed been talking to representatives from LSSI for the past several months.
“Before we suggested this to the library trustees, we wanted to make sure that this was the right thing,” he said.
Excuse me? What qualifications do you have to make that decision, Mr. Schaer (who serves as the City Council President)? Heaven forbid the library be involved in the needs assessment.
It gets worse:
To encourage the nine-member board to vote affirmatively, Schaer and the council offered to add an extra $50,000 to next year’s library budget.
Well, whoopty-doo! That’s almost enough to pay someone with the qualifications to make such a decision. Almost.
Add to this equation a mayor who is heavily in support of privatization, yet does not possess a library card:
“We need better things, better equipment. And I think that’s the way to go,” he said.
Note the vagueness. He appears less qualified to speak to the issue than the guy surfing porn in the computer lab. At least the board president is honest:
“I have no judgment at this moment as to whether this is a great idea or a lousy idea,” he said. “More understanding of what the proposal is needs to be clarified.”
Well, I wouldn’t go looking to the City Council for answers.
I’m sure I’m not alone in fearing for the citizens of Passaic and mourning the imminent demise of their public institution.
