LIBRARIANS in Trafford have been reduced to ‘glorified customer service’ staff, according to a critic of the manner in which the role has been de-skilled, Messenger can reveal.

Trafford Council is currently consulting on the proposed closures of Bowfell, Davyhulme and Lostock Libraries, as well as the withdrawal of funding for a toy library advisor from Delamere Library, which provides support for people with disabilities.

Ken Evans, who worked as a part time library assistant in Trafford for 10 years up until 2012 said: “The burning and destruction of the Royal Ancient Library of Alexandria was described as a symbol of knowledge and culture destroyed.

“And during my time in the libraries, I witnessed the outrageous pressure put on the dedicated frontline library staff , some with more than 20 years services, who were forced to reapply for their own jobs.”

Mr Evans, who previously worked as a professional for a multinational chemical company before taking early retirement, added that the move led to reductions in staffing and remaining staff were forced to take on the role of administering council services, including dealing with missed bin collection queries and housing benefit claims and giving advice to members of the public.

He continued: “They got rid of the last degree level librarian in about 2004, and since then the remaining staff have just become glorified customer services representatives,” said Mr Evans.

“The last so-called council initiative resulted in the loss of further front line staff and the use of well intentioned but poorly trained volunteers in libraries and administration of the Home Library Service.”

Mr Evans added: “Whilst Trafford Council would have us believe that there is no alternative to these financial cuts this is simply not true. I expect my councillor to vote on the principle of putting the interests of people first.

“If it means raising council tax by a modest amount, so be it.”