Lecturers at the University of Canterbury say student learning will suffer if a proposal to dismiss more than a third of librarians goes ahead.
The proposal, which is now open for submissions, means 35 library staff, many in senior positions, will be replaced by fewer managers who will cover a wider portfolio.
Tertiary Education Union president Megan Clayton says the loss of the librarians' expertise will hold back students and academics.
However, Vice Chancellor Rod Carr says the proposal is part of a move towards online information technology.
