Return to History: Table of
Contents.
Return to
Mr. Andrew Carnegie.
- Staff--Conditions of Employment.
- Classification and Pay Plans.
- Retirement Plans.
- Health Insurance.
- Credit Union.
- Staff Association.
- Presidents, Board of Trustees.
- Directors, 1895-1969.
- Circulation, 1896-1968.
- Number of Volumes, 1896-1968
- Appropriation, 1896-1968.
Staff--Conditions of Employment
The Director is elected by the Board of Trustees. The Assistant Director is appointed by the Director, with the approval of the Board. Other staff members are appointed by the Director, or by a subordinate administrator acting for him. Return to Addenda Topics.
Staff members of Carnegie Library are employees of the Library's Board of Trustees. They are not City employees. They are not subject to the City's Civil Service rules or residential requirements, nor are they eligible for City pensions. They are completely free from political pressures. A former Director ahs said that "during my 36 years in office, no Mayor or member of City Council has ever sought any favors for any member of the staff."Classification and Pay Plans
For the first time in its history, the Library began in 1948 to operate under a classification of positions and a salary scale which were officially recognized by the City of Pittsburgh. There had been, of course, classification plans which were made by the Library itself; salary levels had depended upon what could be accomplished within the limits of the annual budgets.The plans were initiated by City Council and were to include City employees only, but when the Library's needs were made plain Council agreed that it be included. The studies and the plans were made by the Pennsylvania Economy League. Every staff member made a job analysis of his position which was then approved by the immediate supervisor. The League made the classification plan based upon the requirements of education, training, skill, responsibility, and supervisory duties.
Salary scales were grouped around the $3,000-3,600 level which was adopted for the beginning professional staff.
There were only seventeen Library employees whose 1948 salaries equaled the minimum set by the new scale. The 1949 City appropriation included a $180 increase for each full-time employee, with an additional $70 for those who were below the scale. Thereafter Council quite regularly made provision for increments to bring staff members up to the maximum salary for the grade. The classification and salary plans are shown on page 13 of the Annual Report for 1948.
By 1954 it had become necessary to offer $3,600 to all beginning professionals, but there had not been sufficient funds to make comparable increases for experienced staff members. A new scale was therefore made which provided for regular annual increments of $600 up to the limit of the position; the limit was also raised in the higher categories. City Council decided that nothing could be done in 1955, but it authorized the Library to include the increments in the 1956 budget. For several years thereafter, City Council made budgetary allowances for these increments, even in those years in which there were no across-the-board increases for City employees.
Inflation had made the pay plan of 1948 as revised in 1954, unrealistic, and in 1962 the Pennsylvania Economy League submitted an up-dated one. It (1) defined and outlined typical duties, and stated the qualification requirements for each type of position; (2) grouped positions; (3) proposed new and more descriptive titles; (4) proposed a new salary scale with ranges from $5,402 to $9,730 for the professional staff, and $2,665 (messenger) to $8,650 (bindery foreman) for others.
The new plan was endorsed by the Board of Trustees and the members of City Council, but at budget time it was decided by Council that there could be no salary increases for 1963.
The budget for 1964 made provision for the increased salaries, and raised the beginning professional salary from the planned $5,402 to $5,843, a figure which was more competitive.
By the end of 1967, the plan's salary limits had been exceeded in all categories, with the amount actually paid to beginning professionals being $6,320. Salaries in excess of the plan had been made possible by a series of larger budgets.
Following studies made by the Personnel Office, the Board of Trustees approved a revised classification and Pay Plan, covering both professional and non-professional employees in order to keep the Library competitive in securing and retaining competent staff members. The revised plan, to be effective January 1, 1969, raised the beginning salary for professional librarians to $7,109, and clerical assistant I to $3,508. The top professional salary was pegged at $15,800.
Each annual report, beginning in 1945, includes a list of salary rates by category of position. Return to Addenda Topics.
Retirement Plans
The Library had no retirement and pension provision until February, 1938, when it became a contributing member of the retirement annuity plan devised by the A. L. A., with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as insurer. The usual type of annuity policy, guaranteeing a specified monthly payment upon retirement at age 65, was issued by the Metropolitan Co. to members.Staff members who had been in library service, here or elsewhere, for three or more years were eligible as voluntary members; five percent of their salary was deducted and paid to the Company.
At age 35 (later 30) membership became compulsory, and the Library began to add four percent to the staff members' five percent of the salary. (The one percent differential was due to a contract provision that in case of death before retirement, the member's contributions would be paid to her estate, while those of the Library would be retained by the Company.)
Without much persuasion, City Council agreed that the cost of the plan should be added to the Library's annual budget.
Provision was not so readily made for members' "back service," that is, the years during which the employee had served Carnegie before the plan became available in 1938. Metropolitan had found that it must have a lump sum payment of $150,000 if it were to include back service in its annuities. City Council refused to pay this amount. A study was then made by the Library Controller, using the actual date of retirement of each member. He agreed that a total of $150,000 was needed, but found that if the Library itself accumulated the fund, it would remain solvent by adding $7,500 annually for 20 years. City Council quickly agreed to this arrangement.
Staff members who had retired, or were about to do so, were still without an allowance. It was agreed in 1947 that the Contingent Fund should be used to give them small pensions--$50 per month at first, and rising gradually to $100 as fewer pensioners were left.
The original members of the A. L. A. / Metropolitan plan were guaranteed fairly generous annuities, but Metropolitan soon began to lower them for subsequent members.
The A. L. A. / Metropolitan plan remained in force until 1959, when it became possible for the Library to join the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (T. I. A. A.). This association is normally available only to college, universities, and other educational institutions. Carnegie Institute was clearly eligible, and since the Institute and the Library operate under the same trustees and fiscal officers, T. I. A. A. decided that both institutions could be admitted. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is the only public library on T. I. A. A. rolls.
Regular guaranteed annuities under T. I. A. A. were somewhat more generous than those of Metropolitan. More important, T. I. A. A. operates the College Retirement Equity Fund (C. R. E. F.) which is, in effect, a mutual investment fund. At least one-half of each member's contribution must be invested in a fixed T. I. A. A. annuity which provides a pre-determined number of dollars upon retirement. The member may elect to have up to one-half of his contribution go to C. R. E. F., which pays a variable annuity depending upon the dividends from securities which it holds. C. R. E. F. thus becomes a hedge against inflation.
The member and the Library each pay five percent of the salary, the total contribution being divided between T. I. A. A. and C. R. E. F. according to the member's election.
Beginning in September, 1959, all new full-time staff members were required to join T. I. A. A. / C. R. E. F. upon completing one year of service and attaining age 30, unless the appointment was definitely temporary.
Members of the A. L. A. / Metropolitan plan had the option of remaining in it or transferring. In general, those who were within a few years of retirement remained with Metropolitan; younger members made the change. Return to Addenda Topics.
Health Insurance
The Library became a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield in February, 1938. At first, entrance was voluntary, and members paid assessments; now, the Library pays the full cost, and all full-time staff members are included.A Major Medical Plan under T. I. A. A. was initiated in 1958, but it has been carried by Blue Cross since January 1, 1968. All full-time staff members are included after six months of service. The employee's cost is 25 cents per month for individual coverage, or $1.00 if qualified dependents are included. The Library pays the rest of the cost. Return to Addenda Topics.
Credit Union
Organization of the Credit Union was completed June 16, 1936. It is open to full-time members of the staffs of both the Library and the Institute, upon payment of a 25 cent membership fee. In October, 1967, it had 314 members and assets of $155,000. Return to Addenda Topics.Staff Association
The Carnegie Library Staff Association was formed October 24, 1943, with all staff members eligible for membership. The Association's announced purpose was "to provide social, economic and professional advantages for the general staff." There were 54 founding members. At the end of 1968 there were 345 members. The Association is affiliated with the Staff Organization's Round Table (S. O. R. T.) of the American Library Association. Laura Cathon was chairman of S. O. R. T. in 1951.The Association has operated largely through its committees: Professional Advancement, Program, Progress, Survey and Membership. The Association is responsible for the Staff Library, and Bagpipe Notes.
Its program has included lectures and panel discussions on many aspects of librarianship, literature, and some of a more general nature.
Committees have been a direct aid in administration in many ways, such as devising forms for the merit ratings, surveying hours of library usage looking toward changes in hours of opening, making job descriptions of all positions.
The Association has been most helpful in spreading understanding of the reasons behind library policies throughout the staff.
It has been the staff spokesman who has requested improvements, including lighting and refurnishing the staff rooms.
Social affairs have been varied: a bowling league, trips to historical and scenic spots, theater parties, picnics and parties.
From its dues of 75 cents per year, the Association sends flowers in case of death and provides a gift for members who retire. Return to Addenda Topics.
Presidents of the Board of Trustees William N. Frew February 22, 1894 - May 28, 1914 Samuel Hardin Church May 28, 1914 - October 11, 1943 William Frew October 26, 1943 - January 31, 1948 James M. Bovard February 20, 1948 - December 31, 1967 James M. Walton January 1, 1968 -Return to Addenda Topics.
Directors Edwin H. Anderson 1895 - December 1, 1904Mr. Anderson must have reported for duty early in 1895, because by May 1 he had assembled a small staff, and cataloguing of the initial book collection had begun.Anderson H. Hopkins January 1, 1905 - September 1, 1908 Harrison W. Craver December 1, 1908 - March 31, 1917 John Hopkins Leete April 1, 1917 - January 9, 1928 Ralph Munn June 7, 1928 - September 30, 1964 Keith Doms October 1, 1964 - August 30, 1969 Anthony A. Martin September 1, 1969 -Elwood H. McClelland, Technology Librarian, was Acting Director during the "Fall of 1926."
C. Teft Hewitt, Head of the Order Department, was Acting Director, January - June 7, 1928.
Return to Addenda Topics.
Circulation Through 1913, the Library's statistical year began February 1, and ended January 31 of the following year. In 1914 the statistical year was changed to the calendar year. The report for 1914 covers eleven months only.
1896 115,394 (14 Months) 1897 119,962 1898 175,931 (Includes Lawrenceville) 1899 345,590 (Includes 5 branches) 1900 428,686 1901 488,126 1902 522,774 1903 607,442 1904 645,093 1905 661,891 1906 762,190 1907 884,760 1908 999,339 1909 1,162,309 1910 1,134,789 1911 1,232,646 1912 1,318,183 1913 1,417,089 1914 1,351,731 (11 Months) 1915 1,355,980 1916 1,176,193 1917 1,245,605 1918 1,115,533 1919 1,363,365 1920 1,418,430 1921 1,632,385 1922 1,654,074 1923 1,693,271 1924 1,807,377 1925 1,915,465 1926 2,036,289 1927 2,304,912 1928 2,550,586 1929 2,855,283 1930 3,326,019 1931 3,829,629 1932 4,270,052 1933 4,182,652 1934 4,034,776 1935 3,933,097 1936 3,662,121 1937 3,771,740 1938 4,114,994 1939 4,243,273 1940 4,081,187 1941 3,612,142 1942 3,166,567 1943 2,938,937 1944 2,930,785 1945 2,866,935 1946 2,955,008 1947 2,918,142 1948 2,889,261 1949 2,963,687 1950 2,879,001 1951 2,747,355 1952 2,719,336 1953 2,634,587 1954 2,716,316 1955 2,760,265 1956 2,967,100 1957 3,072,403 1958 3,395,516 1959 3,569,370 1960 3,757,094 1961 4,499,847 1962 4,683,711 1963 4,848,281 1964 4,784,954 1965 4,748,308 1966 4,587,451 1967 4,627,611 1968 4,381,625Return to Addenda Topics.
1896 26,859 1897 30,726 1898 57,597 1899 96,172 1900 122,481 1901 140,507 1902 154,321 1903 173,006 1904 200,263 1905 222,452 1906 254,562 1907 280,088 1908 292,083 1909 333,304 1910 340,209 1911 364,624 1912 383,603 1913 405,394 1914 419,149 1915 422,201 1916 424,421 1917 434,469 1918 445,753 1919 464,313 1920 479,068 1921 492,828 1922 501,390 1923 519,351 1924 545,364 1925 570,334 1926 599,019 1927 629,044 1928 670,177 1929 724,112 1930 773,045 1931 823,500 1932 867,743 1933 900,849 1934 922,226 1935 941,016 1936 956,903 1937 986,093 1938 1,017,856 1939 1,041,658 1940 1,063,519 1941 1,078,495 1942 1,085,117 1943 1,145,908 1944 1,154,638 1945 1,114,814 1946 1,139,313 1947 1,163,468 1948 1,186,569 1949 1,193,902 1950 1,210,867 1951 1,219,963 1952 1,233,862 1953 1,249,001 1954 1,275,012 1955 1,285,510 1956 1,306,903 1957 1,344,501 1958 1,433,330 1959 1,408,908 1960 1,474,636 1961 1,522,807 1962 1,716,152 1963 1,765,818 1964 1,836,814 1965 1,900,672 1966 1,966,924 1967 2,048,208 1968 2,120,310Return to Addenda Topics.
Appropriation
City Only, through 1955Year Beginning 1896 Feb. 1 $ 65,000 1897 65,000 1898 90,000 1899 104,000 1900 126,000 1901 131,000 1902 131,000 1903 131,000 1904 158,000 1905 158,000 1906 200,000 1907 200,000 1908 210,000 1909 235,000 1910 225,000 1911 250,000 1912 250,000 1913 260,000 1914 Jan. 1 250,710 1915 200,000 1916 230,000 1917 250,000 1918 262,500 1919 300,000 1920 357,697 1921 416,320 1922 416,320 1923 449,030 1924 459,047 1925 460,050 1926 477,000 1927 508,750 1928 541,100 1929 555,922 1930 594,619 1931 587,131 1932 540,357 1933 458,823 1934 460,614 1935 467,375 1936 479,375 1937 525,550 1938 549,084 1939 571,648 1940 562,095 1941 567,716 1942 569,679 1943 552,464 1944 576,606 1945 610,687 1946 653,823 1947 723,539 1948 815,228 1949 921,603 1950 956,313 1951 1,067,280 1952 1,149,813 1953 1,250,940 1954 1,316,401 1955 1,335,401City, County & State
City County State Total 1956 $1,428,997 $125,000 $1,553,997 1957 1,591,984 143,904 1,735,888 1958 1,694,285 232,000 1,926,285 1959 1,769,069 347,420 2,116,489 1960 1,833,937 347,420 2,181,357 1961 1,884,584 379,250 2,263,834 1962 1,935,607 388,605 $ 19,792 2,344,004 1963 1,924,425 449,805 218,055 2,592,285 1964 1,854,511 749,805 313,892 2,918,208 1965 1,898,995 857,050 416,137 3,172,182 1966 1,906,690 995,000 478,986 3,380,676 1967 1,845,905 1,150,000 783,943 3,779,848 1968 2,009,424 1,193,768 863,791 4,066,983Return to Addenda Topics.
Return to History: Table of
Contents.
Return to
Mr. Andrew Carnegie.