California Museum Pulls Materials
from Library Resource Center
Citing security concerns, the Riverside (Calif.) Municipal Museum removed its collection from the Riverside Public Library’s Local History Resource Center after the center’s staff resigned October 26 over benefit disagreements.
The workers said library administration refused to pay for health benefits; library Director Judith Auth would not comment on specifics but said the city typically does not provide health benefits for temporary, grant-funded employees, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported October 30.
The center was created two years ago to house historical photographs, letters, scrapbooks, and journals. Museum officials said security concerns prompted them to remove their materials, which made up about 80% of the collection. Vince Moses, a curator for the museum, said they require a full-time archival staff and a letter of agreement with the library before the materials can be returned.
Both museum and library officials promised to work together to get the center running again. “I’m hoping like the dickens that we can put it back together again,” Moses said. Auth said she would meet with museum officials as soon as possible to discuss hiring a new staff.
Posted November 6, 2000.
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