Jobs and opening hours at Walsall libraries were thrown into doubt as bosses planned cost-cutting.

Volunteers may also be drafted in to help staff at borough museums and libraries in a bid to deal with the economic slump.

Chiefs today said that some branches could open on fewer days following the major review – but ruled out any closures. Department managers across the authority have been ordered to make savings wherever possible, in an effort to claw back a predicted £2 million overspend.

The council’s various scrutiny panels have now identified a number of areas to go under the microscope – with the £7.5m annual bill for the library service top of the list.

Chairman of the Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel Councillor Chris Towe said they would be looking at every aspect of the service.

“We will analyse the visitor figures and if certain branches are not being used very much on certain days, then that is something we would look at,” he said.

“Everything is under the microscope at budget time, but more than ever this year.

“Costs are going up year on year and we all know that revenues are down.

“But we are just looking at particular days and I can rule out any overall closures. That is not on the agenda.”

Councillor Towe said the council was also keen to bring in more volunteers to help at libraries and museums.

Zeina Rashid, aged 17, from Rushall, is a sixth form student at Blue Coat College in Birmingham Street and a regular library user.

“Having access to books is really important, especially for children, so they should be keeping them open for longer if anything,” she said.