Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library to Lay Off 37 Employees

Don't know how I missed this article, as I've been following IMCPL developments for much of the year.  Thanks to Sylvia for sounding off.

Link to November 5 Indianapolis Star article.

Excerpt: Library patrons will find fewer front-line staff members at Indianapolis branches after the layoffs of 37 employees.

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library announced the job cuts Thursday, but they had been expected as part of efforts to close an anticipated $4 million budget shortfall next year.

Still, the prospect of layoffs had library employees on edge for months. Michael Torres, the library workers union president, said the first affected employees were notified late last week.

"We're doing more with less," Torres said. "We're in hopes that public service won't suffer . . . but it's bound to stretch people out. We'll do our best."

The library didn't release a list of affected positions but said in a news release that the cuts affected employees across the management, support and public service staffs; the library also has reorganized its management staff.

Related articles:
Cuts in library hours, materials budget.  (9/15/2010)
Library announces 26% cut in hours.  (9/14/2010)
Indianapolis resident recommends book to local officials.  (9/6/2010)
Library board votes to include 'shortfall appeal' option.  (9/1/2010)
Library board to consider 'shortfall appeal'.  (8/30/2010)
In close vote, library board cuts hours, staff.  (8/20/2010)
Library grapples with its sustainable future.  (8/16/2010)
Library projects a $7.3 million deficit by 2014.  (7/29/2010)
Library board sez no branch closings in 2011.  (7/15/2010)
Library supporters question Pacers deal. (7/15/2010)
High performance government team report.  (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries.  (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries.  (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open.  (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries.  (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge.  (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center.  (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open.  (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open.  (4/20/2010)
Editorial:  Find resources for library.  (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries?  (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue.  (4/16/2010)
Postscript.  (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list.  (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County:  Stand Up for Libraries.  (4/13/2010)
Library rally caps?  Get real, sez IndyStar editorial.  (4/12/2010)
Will Indianapolis rally for its libraries?  (4/12/2010)
Library considers branch closings.  (4/9/2010)