Tuesday, November 24, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section A - Page 6
Libraries lack space, funds
Yearly book purchases can require two miles of shelving
Widespread space shortages and outdated facilities threaten the integrity of the University of Kansas Libraries as the new century approaches. And no concrete solutions are in place to remedy the problems.
Seven of the eight libraries on the Lawrence campus are already at or near functional capacity, and William Crowe, vice chancellor and dean of libraries, said the conditions in libraries such as Watson Library were not ideal for preserving collections.
"If this situation slips a few more years, it will be an inescapable crisis," Crowe said.
Space limitations are often a problem in the library business. Crowe said the nature of library science was preserving historical collections while constantly adding current materials. Space is in constant demand, but funding is not available to build enough libraries.
The University adds close to two miles of shelving every year to accommodate new purchases.
"There is no practical way in our lifetime of solving the collection space problem in our current locations," Crowe said.
Some library additions have been completed or are underway.
But in most cases, the new space is being exchanged for old space rather than adding to the libraries' overall storage capacity.
For instance, in the spring of 1999, the Government Documents Library will move into a new library addition called Anschutz 2 North under Budig Hall. The space in Malott Hall where Government Documents is currently housed will revert to classroom or office space, resulting in no net gain in space for the libraries.
In another case, an addition opened this year and was filled primarily with books that were being held in storage. It does not provide space for future items.
The Dole Institute for Public Service and Public Policy being built on the West Campus could provide temporary relief. Not only will it house the archives of former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, Crowe said he hoped the institute would include an additional space called a book and archival record depository.
There are a few bright spots for the libraries.
In the depository, the least-frequently accessed library materials could be stored but still checked out with 24-hours notice.
The Gorton Music Library will triple
its available space when it moves into a new area in the Murphy Hall expansion.
Vic Cardell, musi c librarian, said the expansion was coming
just in time for his library because it would be at 100 percent capacity by the time the new space was ready.
"I think the administration is doing its best to meet our needs, but it is a difficult situation," Cardell said. "We're reaching a critical point."
When the expanded music library is ready, the current library space will be used for other academic purposes.
Alexandra Mason, Spencer librarian, said her library also was extremely pressed for space. The Spencer Research Library holds a large number of archival collections for the University and the state.
"I'd love to expand, but it's a matter of money and University priorities," Mason said.
To provide a historical perspective, she related a legend about books being stored many years ago in the bathrooms and hallways of Watson Library.
"Libraries are really opposed to depriving readers of materials they need," Mason said.
Crowe said some people were under the mistaken impression that because society is in a technological age, new library space would not be needed. He said electronic media would not pro-
wide great relief any time in the near future because of
vide great relief any
the continu e d strong demand for printed materials.
Jan Crow, public relations director for libraries at Kansas State University, said her university faced a similar situation in Manhattan in the 1980s.
"I think the administration is doing its best to meet our needs, but it is a difficult situation. We're reaching a critical point."
Vic Cardell Music Librarian
"If this situation slips a few more years, it will be an inescapable crisis."
Bill Crowe Dean of Libraries
Students there led the charge for improved facilities by staging a one day sit-in at the former Farrell Library. K-State students also took a proactive approach by proposing and approving a student fee increase, she said.
Eventually, a $30 million library renovation and expansion was approved. Students and private donors contributed $5 million each, and the state spent $20 million.
Now called Hale Library, the library has become a key landmark at K-State. Jan Crow also said student use had surged at the library since its completion in 1997, helped by such amenities as 24-hour study areas and food and beverage service.
"It's all a competition for money," he said. "It's not a lack of advocacy."
The University of Kansas will continue its efforts to improve collection and student areas at its libraries, William Crowe said.
Loaded libraries
The University of Kansas libraries are becoming crowded. The graph below shows how full the libraries are projected to be by the end of 1998. The dotted line represents the 85 percent mark, which is the full working capacity of library shelving.
Kristi Elliott / KANSAN
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