More Optimism for Library Salaries in New York City

Staff -- Library Journal, 1/10/2000

Thanks to support from both labor, library directors, and several key political players, the chances have improved for a salary increase for the beleaguered librarians in New York City's three library systems, according to Ray Markey, president of Local 1930, which represents workers at New York Public Library. A week after a December 10 City Council Committee hearing, the Council nearly unanimously passed a resolution decrying a loss of library personnel due to inadequate salaries and the resulting negative impact on service. [Note: previously LJDigital erroneously reported that the Council would hold more hearings.] However, administration officials have yet to comment on a salary adjustment for the librarians, and Markey said the union will send a letter to various New York writers and intellectuals, asking them to sign on to a Save Our Libraries appeal.