University of Otago librarian Mike Wall said the restructure was not being proposed for financial reasons, but was "student success focused and there will be no net change in full-time equivalents (FTEs)".
A discussion document on the proposal said at the university’s central library, physical item borrowing numbers — which include books, magazines and DVDs — had dropped from 90,000 items issued in 2018 to 30,000 last year.
The document noted "even factoring in Covid-19", the decline in physical borrowings had been significant, and an issue all libraries were facing.
Another issue was the fact a significant percentage of students had experienced a "disrupted" education due to Covid-19 and had little experience in using libraries as a result.
"The rationale for the restructure is to refocus aspects of our services to meet the current needs of students," Mr Wall said.
"Since the Covid-19 pandemic, students’ needs have changed and are expected to continue to change over the next few years.
"These changes will enable us to better deliver the support required for student success.
"These services include face-to-face and online support for using the library service, and the delivery of online and print information resources."
There were 37 staff from two areas of the University’s library service which were within the scope of the proposed changes, he said.
Staff of the Hocken Library would not be affected.
It is proposed 13 roles will be disestablished.
However, they will be given first preference in an internal application process for 13 new roles, three at a higher grade, and 10 at the same grade.
"Staff are being consulted on the proposal and no decisions have been made.
"It is important to note that the proposals may change as a result of feedback received.
"I understand this may be an unsettling time for our staff, and we are offering support as needed."
Staff have until tomorrow to make a submission on the proposals.
