Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Salaries and Working Conditions in Libraries

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, library workers are now managing very significant workplace health and safety issues, while also experiencing or under the threat of hiring freezes, furloughs, and layoffs. The massive disruption to K-12 education and childcare has impacted women workers the most, and we expect to see more women library workers making the choice between their family obligations and their employment and choosing the former. As libraries have a predominantly female workforce, the impact of furloughs, layoffs, wage cuts, and a sluggish labor market will inevitably be gendered. The past year has also included an explosion of workplace organizing around management practices, racial discrimination, and safety conditions. Data on changes in the library workforce, salaries, and working conditions along with examples of comprehensive organizational responses will be shared.