In an attempt to make libraries on campus more efficient and student-friendly, a Student Library Advisory Committee is currently being formed.
The driving forces behind this project are Barbara Jones, the new University librarian, and Karen Courtheoux ’05, chair of the Educational Policy Committee of the Wesleyan Student Assembly (WSA). The pair met when Courtheoux served on the University librarian search committee, interviewing potential candidates for the position that Jones would ultimately fill.
In her interview, Jones relayed an idea based on the library program at the University of Illinois, where she was formerly a librarian. At the university, the director of the library had a Student Library Advisory Committee similar to the one Jones hopes to establish here, which provided student input regarding different aspects of library efficiency.
“Both Ms. Jones and I are hoping that this committee will be able to help the library to better meet students’ needs and also bring the library more into the center of campus life,” Courtheoux said.
Although there are several ways to improve the libraries, just as there several ways that students use them, Jones and Cortheoux recognize that while they can’t satisfy everyone, they can take a step in the right direction.
“We can’t be all things to all people . . . we have to make choices,” Jones said.
The committee, which will be comprised of 10-12 students as well as several librarians, would meet twice a semester in order to discuss library-related.
Items on the potential agenda include the quantity of and lottery system for thesis carrels, reassessing the current hours of operation, and making the use of course reserves more convenient. Copyright issues regarding MP3s and other sources of information are also up for conversation.
“We are just focusing on finding out what is most important to the students,” Jones said.
Another topic awaiting discussion is the upcoming renovation of the library buildings, which is slated to take place in the next few years. Student input will be a large part of the decision making process, so that Jones and other planners might better understand how students use the libraries, as well as how to make the renovated buildings more space efficient.
“Personally, I hope that this committee will be the first of many steps toward increased communication between students and the library staff, and continued improvement of library policies and facilities,” Courtheoux said.
A mass email was sent out to students last Thursday, asking for those interested in being on the committee to contact Jones. Jones and Courtheoux plan to include WSA representatives from the Educational Policy Committee and the Finances and Facilities Committee.
“We are going to try to get representatives including graduate students, undergraduates, and all from all subject areas,” Jones said. “When there’s so much enthusiasm, I hate to cut people out.”
The committee will discuss issues pertaining to all of the libraries on campus, not just Olin, and hopes to revive interest and use of subsidiary libraries like the Science Library.
Jones also spoke of consideration for some other forum for student opinion regarding the library, but is still unsure what the medium would be.
Although many people have expressed interest in participating in the Student Library Advisory Committee, suggestions for improving the libraries on campus are still welcome. Questions, comments, or concerns regarding the committee or the libraries in general can be directed toward Jones or Cortheoux.
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