BC Library Conference 2016

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) represents members who work in libraries across all sectors in B.C. In recognition of the increasing number of issues coming forward, the CUPE BC Library Committee launched a survey in May 2015 to look at changing health and safety in library workplaces across B.C.

Phase one was an online survey in which more than 500 library workers responded from 50 communities in academic, K-12 and public libraries across the province. The results offer significant insights into the growing challenges library workers face in all regions of British Columbia. Phase two consisted of follow up one-on-one interviews with CUPE members who work in libraries. The interviews gave CUPE members a chance to talk further in depth about their working conditions as well as a focus on front line solutions and recommendations to address their concerns.

This session will consist of a presentation of the results of the survey and a chance to discuss how library workers can work with their employers on adapting to the rapid changes to their working conditions as the nature of library work continues to evolve.