05:15 PM PST on Monday, February 13, 2006

By PAUL AKER / KING 5 News

TACOMA - If you're looking for help at a library in Tacoma, get ready to dial because the library system is pulling reference librarians from most branches and reassigning them to the main office.

It's about juggling resources to keep the doors open longer at more libraries.

KING

Only three of 10 branches will have reference personnel. Everywhere else, people who need help will have to pick up the phone and call for it.

Patrons don't seem too thrilled about the idea of dialing for help.

"I think it will be very hard, if you don't get people to speak the language you want. It will be almost impossible to get the information you need," said Nancy Harvey, who thinks her friends who speak English as a second language will be in trouble. She believes it's easier to bridge the language barrier in person.

But Susan Odencrantz, the person in charge of Tacoma Libraries, believe the reference service will improve. She says the new system will allow library staff to be more efficient, stretch the dollar and, most importantly, will help keep library doors from the current intermittent shutdowns called rolling closures.

"It's exciting, libraries are all about change whether people realize it or not," she said.

Odencrantz says eventually people will appreciate the change – even if not now not everyone is sure there will be a happy ending.

Library assistants who help children will also be moved out of most satellite branches. They will now float between different locations. Odencrantz insists the current level of service will not suffer.

A spokesman for the union that represents library workers says the change is a bad idea that will ultimately hurt service.