Task Force to Review Library Budget Proposals

A little less than a month ago I posted information regarding a proposal to consolidate the Libraries’ branches to fulfill the current budget reduction. In response to concerns raised by music faculty and students, the Provost and President have charged a task force to evaluate the decision and determine the most strategic and sustainable way to make the reduction. I also had concerns regarding the lack of time available to gather input from those who were most affected by these decisions, and support the Provost and President in their decision to provide a forum for that.

The Review of Libraries Budget Reduction Strategies Task Force is charged with evaluating four proposals for achieving a roughly $97,000 reduction to the Libraries budget. The proposals include three from the Libraries, and one from the music department.

Proposal #1: Reduce main library hours.
Proposal #2: Reduce library materials acquisitions funding.
Proposal #3: Consolidate the music library’s collections into the main library.
Proposal #4: Music department’s counterproposal to keep the music library in its current location.

The three proposals from the Libraries were all considered as part of the previous budget process and it was determined that, while it would impact members of a very important and valuable department on campus, consolidating the music library into the main library would result in the least impact for the majority of University students, faculty and staff.

As Dean of Libraries, I wish none of these reductions were necessary and appreciate the time and energy the members of the task force are dedicating to this. I look forward to seeing the results of their work.