From
Diverse Online
Current News
By Hurley Goodall
Nov 14, 2006, 05:49
A student group has created an online petition protesting the
closure of two
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
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
You may see the petition at:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/888262129?ltl=1163532713
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