THE APRIL 7 Short Fuse editorial "Librarians: Checked out from reality" ignores the reality of the librarians' contract negotiations with the City of Boston.
In February, the parties placed their most recent proposals on the table. There is little disagreement in terms of dollars needed to settle the current contract. The major dispute is over the union's proposal that the city review the facts regarding librarians' salaries. The union has proposed an independent salary study to determine whether Boston librarians' salaries are competitive with other major public library systems, and leaves open the possibility of a negotiated wage adjustment if it is justified by the study's findings.
In an October 2005 survey of the largest library systems in the country, American Libraries ranked Boston 20 out of 25 for entry-level salaries. A July 2007 report that was released recently by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners shows that 80 communities in Massachusetts pay a higher salary for entry-level librarians with a master's degree.
Because our starting salaries are so low, the Boston Public Library has had problems hiring and retaining librarians. We have a 46 percent turnover rate for librarians hired in the past five fiscal years, with 32 percent of new hires staying for 18 months or less. Librarian positions at the branches have remained unfilled for months or even years. That is the reality that must be faced.
LIZ SMITH
President
Boston Public Library Professional Staff Association, CWA Local 1333
Boston
