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Ohio State Students Protest Closing of Black Studies Library
By Hurley Goodall
Nov 14, 2006, 05:49

COLUMBUS, Ohio

A student group has created an online petition protesting the closure of
two Ohio State University campus libraries: the Black studies library
and the women's studies library.

 

Both of these collections were housed in the university's main library,
Thompson Library, until reconstruction of the library began this summer.
When renovations are complete in 2008-2009, the historic collections of
the Black studies and women's studies libraries will be dissolved and
recirculated throughout the library.

 

University officials say the renovations, designed to expand digital
technology at the library, will improve accessibility and enhance the
social aspect of learning.

 

But, some OSU students and faculty aren't happy with the decision.
Members of the Afrikan Student Union posted an online petition to
protest the dissolution of the libraries. They say the libraries have a
rich history, and students will be inconvenienced if the libraries are
permanently closed. Before it's closing, faculty had plans to boost the
scope of the 35-year-old Black studies library, hoping to increase its
status as a national facility for research in the field.

 

"A lot of us go there to do our own research," says Robert Bennett, a
doctoral student in Black studies.

 

The Black studies and women's studies collections have been moved along
with other humanities and social science resources to Sullivant Hall and
Ackerman Library.

 

According to a statement from library director Joseph Branin, library
staff will be available to help students and faculty locate books from
the collections.

 

"The idea here is to arrange the print collection in the most efficient
and clear arrangement, and to create reading rooms that highlight
certain aspects of the collection, can be flexible, that bring print and
digital technology together and that are inviting for individual and
group work," he said.

 

While library officials welcomed feedback from the faculty, Bennett says
the students who use the libraries were essentially left out of the
decision. It was that snub that motivated the students to fight to keep
the libraries open.

 

"We want to bring attention to the issue," Bennett says. "It's about
students being more organized to make sure their voices are heard."

 

Michelle Millar, a sophomore business major, created the online petition
that now includes almost 400 names. She says she created the petition to
show officials how important the libraries are.

 

"We have to have something to show others," she says, adding that she
hopes the petition will lead officials to reconsider their decision.

 

The Black studies and women's studies were established in 1971 and 1972,
respectively, with the help of students and faculty.

 

- By Hurley Goodall



(c) Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com

 

You may see the petition at:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/888262129?ltl=1163532713

 

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