Stability of Tenure: Is Contractualization a Cure?

The library profession has evolved from being traditional bookkeepers to being modern end users of digital data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), over the years. But throughout development, libraries are facing a major crisis: a severe shortage of permanent staff. Administrative bodies are hiring outsourced and temporary staff for most of their work to maintain daily functions as much as possible. This paper critically evaluates the trend of contract hiring, under the title “Stability of Tenure: is contractualization a cure? “However, contract hiring may be a fast & temporary remedy to the problem of vacant positions, but it is disaster to the core essence of the library profession. The libraries need highly skilled, permanent experts to manage complex tasks, relying on temporary staff risks the dignity of profession and user trust. The paper concludes by urging policymakers to invest in stable, permanent jobs to protect the future of libraries.