Former Bendigo TAFE librarian Narelle Stone was one of five library staff members made redundant in 2013, despite being named Victorian Librarian of the Year only months before.

Ms Stone, who worked at the library for 26 years, said she was shocked and upset by the way the process was handled. But she said she felt most pity for the students.

Librarian of the Year Narelle Stone. Credit:Jim Aldersey

''Although it affects those who lost their jobs, the main people suffering are the students. They are slipping through the cracks because of the lack of funding,'' she said.