Dunn, faculty push for new library, expanded collections

    Inadequate study space and structure difficulties are just two reasons proponents are arguing for a new library to be constructed.
    University President Randy Dunn stated his original proposal for a modern library in his inaugural speech in 2007 and cited fundamental problems in the structure of Waterfield Library.
    Interim Dean of University Libraries Adam Murray said Waterfield was never intended as a permanent library or student work space. However, cost remains an issue of renovating, he said.
    “The amount of structural reinforcement, electrical updates and other renovations required are cost-prohibitive,” Murray said. “The floors are not designed to accommodate any additional weight above what currently exists in the Watertfield collections.”
    “I know over the past year or so there has been some question about the need for a new library facility from the faculty,” Dunn said.
    Not only is structure and space a problem, reference librarian Ashley Ireland said, but the facility also has water damage, temperature concerns and inadequate study areas for        students to work undisturbed.
    “The water leakage and damages to the building, along with the fluctuating temperature, are harmful to the books, causing mold and other water damage to them,” Ireland said. “We have done many repairs in the past, but we don’t think it is a leak, per se.
    “We think the damage is caused from the boiler,” she said. “The money has been well spent to fix the past problems in the library, but it is not possible to fix this issue in this building.”
    The number of computers Waterfield currently contains is not enough for the student body, and there is no room to add more, Ireland said. Many of the student work areas, such as the lower floors, are located in high-traffic areas.
    “The new library will be designed for functionality,” Ireland said. “We want to create more space for students to work together in groups, equipped with the proper technology, without running the risk of disturbing individual students.
    “We also want to expand our computer labs and create a permanent eatery within the library,” she said.
     “Another goal is to expand the office space and classroom space in the library to create comfortable work environments,” Ireland said.
    The Library Task Force has envisioned not just a library to house books, but rather a learning center for students and faculty, Murray said. Waterfield is not equipped for modern students’ needs, he said.
    “Students today are expected to participate in group work and to engage each other in learning activities,” Murray said. “This building was built in the s and designed as a student center. We need to modernize it to meet contemporary students’ needs.”
    Other university libraries, such as the William T. Young Library at the University of Kentucky, have a similar learning commons designed for convenient student, faculty and staff use, Murray said.
    “(A) new learning center appeals to both students and faculty,” Murray said. “It will provide the services needed for students to succeed academically along with the technology module function facilities for faculty.”
    Ruth Henson, graduate student and library worker from Hardin, Ky., said she feels Murray State needs a bigger and more modern facility.
    “From what I can tell, the library is one of the most used facilities on campus, so it makes sense to build a larger, more convenient one,” she said.   
    Some students are concerned the construction of the new library will again increase student tuition, but Murray said the funds for the modern library are financed from the state legislature, separate from student tuition.
    “Student tuition goes to support day-to-day operations, whereas the                
funding for new facilities comes from the state,” Murray said. “We would go to the Kentucky State Legislature to request the funding.”
    Dunn not only stresses the need of a new library, but also the importance of adding to the current collection.
    “We need to provide more money to support the acquisitions for a larger print collection,” Dunn said. “It is time to start making this case in Frankfort and with the donors.”
    The Library Task Force was created in August 2008, but construction is not planned to begin until 2012.
    Ashlee Cobb can be reached at ashlee.cobb@murraystate.edu.