Leitrim to get a permanent County Librarian

Leitrim and Roscommon county councils will be recruiting for new permanent county librarians after an agreement between the Forsa Trade Union and the representative body of local authorities.

Plans to amlgamate the two services are not officially off the table following negotiations through the Workplace Relations Commisison. The trade union has however agreed to plans for an enhancement of local services including the introduction of staffless sessions in local libraries.

The union says this will happen only once staff levels are restored to those in 2012 and do not decrease thereafter.

The position of County Librarian has been filled by Ms. Emma Clancy on a temporary basis since early 2016, pending finalisation of national discussions in relation to the Library Services and the associated sanctioning of such permanent posts by the Department.

A spokesperson for Leitrim County Council, "In the context of the recent conclusion of those national discussions it is understood that a number of permanent County Librarian positions have now been sanctioned by the Department – posts at this level fall to be filled by the Public Appointments Service and PAS will shortly be launching a nationwide campaign to fill permanent County Librarian posts, including the Leitrim post.

"Leitrim County Council will be considering in detail the provisions and associated requirements arising out of both the WRC Agreement on Local Authority Library Services and the National Library Strategy over the coming months."

Also read: No plans to reduce Leitrim Library staff numbers