ABC has unveiled plans to dismantle their historic sound and reference libraries around the country in an effort to save on space and wages.
As The Guardian reports, 10 staff have been made redundant as ABC undergoes massive changes to their national libraries, putting a focus on Melbourne moving forward.
The collections contain CDs, vinyl, books and journals going back 85 years, which are often used for documentaries and other programs with librarians utilising their extensive knowledge to make suggestions.
“With digital technology now available, we can move our sound and reference libraries from operations based on multiple physical collections of information and music, to more efficient digital services which can be accessed by content makers anytime, anywhere,” a memo to staff reads.
“Sydney will be the priority to free up floor space followed by the other states and territories with the CD work completed by May 2018.”
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Community and Public Sector Union section secretary Sinddy Ealy has labelled the plan 'irresponsible'.
“The ABC's decision to sack specialist staff supporting journalists and program makers before the ABC has even bedded down the new content restructure is irresponsible – not only will it undermine the editorial quality of ABC content audiences rely on, but it is likely to cost the ABC and taxpayers more money than it saves,” he told The Guardian.
The overhaul is also partly in an effort to reduce duplication with an estimated 5% - 10% of the collection digitised, while Sydney will retain a classical music collection for Classic FM.
