Library Faces Shrinking Acquisitions Budget
Staff Writer If you rely on the library’s books for class research, you may be in trouble next semester. The just-expired University Library Strategic Plan describes a goal of “modest but targeted increases” to the “shrinking” budget for acquiring new materials, but this has not solved the problem. The rising subscription price of electronic journals and databases are to blame, librarians said. The materials that are purchased under this budget include books, movies, computer software, music and other audiovisual recordings that are complete in one set. These things are categorized as "monographic" materials, as opposed to serial materials, such as magazines, that are continually published. During the 2003-2004 fiscal year, approximately $600,000 was spent on around 16,000 books, according to Min-Huei Lu, the head of monographic acquisitions. However, for the 2005-2006 fiscal year, which ends on Apr. 1st, approximately $400,000 was allocated for new monographic acquisitions, all but $15,000 of which has been spent, Lu said. This reflects an approximate one-third drop in the actual acquisitions budget. This means simply that as E-journal costs go up, the budget for new materials goes down. The reason for this shrinking budget is the rise in cost of electronic resources, Lu said. While printed materials are still being acquired on behalf of the humanities and social sciences at Stony Brook University, the sciences prefer the electronic journals and databases that are becoming more prevalent in their fields, she said. The problem is that the subscription rates don’t always match the rate of inflation. E-journal prices rise an estimated 10 percent faster than budget adjustments, Nathan Baum, the assistant director for electronic resources and services, said. “Between $550,000 and $575,000 was drawn from the acquisitions budget” in the past year to pay for the subscriptions, Baum said. The biggest impact for students comes in the form of textbook availability. Because of this lack of funding, the library will only be able to keep two copies of each textbook on reserve starting in the fall, Lu said. Previously, the library had kept five. The library's administration acknowledges this problem and is attempting to fix it, Dean and Director of Libraries Christian Filstrup said. Recently, as much as $300,000 was moved from other departmental budgets as a temporary fix to an ongoing problem, he said. "We've restored the book budget somewhat," Filstrup said. "That gets us through the year." Book prices tend to stay relatively steady with the rate of inflation, but the library puts the maintenance of electronic resources at the top of their priorities, Filstrup said. "Our first commitment is to the serials," he said. This budget shrinkage comes at a time when more and more classes are asking for videos and other recordings, Lu said. As to the possibility of an actual budget increase in the future: "I hope so," Lu said. Somebody also made a website about the library funding crisis. |
All of these electronic resources are supposed to be faster, cheaper, and easier than storing books, but it doesnt seem to be that way for all libraries.
The reason for this shrinking budget is the rise in cost of electronic resources, Lu said. While printed materials are still being acquired on behalf of the humanities and social sciences at Stony Brook University, the sciences prefer the electronic journals and databases that are becoming more prevalent in their fields, she said.
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These things are categorized as "monographic" materials, as opposed to serial materials, such as magazines, that are continually published
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Sadly this is reflected across the pond as well !, so many library budget cuts even for the libraries which are funded directly by government or council resources. We are trying to promote the use of e-libraries due to their cost effectiveness in programs like Online PhD Degree Programs.
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Very shocking!!!! Why should they think like this. Many students are relying on the books of the library. They will be in trouble.
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I think the reason for this shrinking budget is the rise in cost of electronic resources, I don't know, that's just my opinion.
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Perhaps they should allow smoking of the electronic cigarette
in the Library. It would encourage more people to visit and there is no second hand smoke.
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This crisis reflects an approximate one-third drop in the actual acquisitions budget. This means simply that as E-journal costs go up, the budget for new materials goes down. Great way of presentation and if you are searching for low rates on gift items then logon to our site since we provide lowest Discount Priced Sterling Silver Baby Cups and silver baby gifts and many more.
This is a tough decision, especially at a time when we’re facing double-digit increases in service demand because the public needs libraries more now than ever
I hope in the future your budget will be increase and not shrink. Education is very important and shouldn't be shrink-ed, and add more budget. chicago movers chicago local movers chicago moving rates
The recession is effecting so many people. ITs effecting colleges in a lot of way just like this.
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Are you sure that the materials that are purchased under this budget include books, movies, computer software, music and other audiovisual recordings that are complete in one set?
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Not enough money for new
Not enough money for new books or research periodicals? That's ok. Just as long as there's enough $$$ to chop down some more trees. After all, in the immortal words of Ronald Reagan: "trees pollute."