With a repository of millions of books, serials, periodicals, microfilm files, manuscripts and visual materials, The University of Memphis libraries stand as one of the largest research facilities in the Mid-South.
However, the libraries, like many other university facilities, are currently struggling with “insufficient funds” stemming from the widespread budget cuts that are creeping their way through The U of M.
While the Ned R. McWherter Library is the largest and best equipped repository at The U of M, many of its shelves remain empty and library officials are often clamoring to garner new resources and financial assistance.
Moreover, the cost for materials and resources has increased by an estimated 10 percent from last year, but the operational budget appropriated by state funds for the McWherter Library has remained idle at $6 million.
Sylverna V. Ford, dean of libraries at The U of M, said the expansion of the library will be impeded due to the limited funds.
“Real improvements to the library can’t be made because of a lack of money,” Ford said.
“Half of the budget pays the 105 salaries of the faculty and staff.”
The remaining funding is used to replace outdated material and expand the current available material.
“Current materials like periodicals and journals are very important because they hold the most updated information for students,” Ford said.
However, some students at The U of M say it is often difficult to find needed material at the library.
“I was surprised that there was so much empty space at the library,” said Jennifer Houck, a student at The U of M. “That’s pretty bad, because if it’s not here, it probably will be hard to find.”
McWherter Library is one of the largest in the Mid-South, but in comparison to libraries similar in size, it lacks adequate funding, according to Ford.
“Our funding is not as good as it should be compared to our peers,” Ford said.
However, the library is receiving some financial assistance from a collective donor bank, specifically established to fund the libraries’ needs.
Last year, the Friends of The U of M Libraries organization donated over $11,400 to purchase badly needed material for the library.
Although the library’s budget woes have hampered its projected and desired expansion, many new improvements are being made to better accommodate students’ needs.
The library’s hours have been extended from 7:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and the library data is easier to access for people off- campus. In addition, the recall policy has been improved to have materials there for students.
The library has also improved computers which can support the latest programs and software.
Some students, such as senior Vivica Bramlett, say the McWherter Library is lacking in resources, but the computer lab is up to par.
“The computer lab is the best place in the library,” said Bramlett.
In addition, library officials said efforts to make the rest of the library user-friendly are in progress. A new policy is being enforced requiring students to turn off cellular phones and pagers to ensure a quiet study area.
For students who need to make a little noise, a group study area is available on the 3rd and 4th floors.
Ford says the staff and faculty of the McWherter Library will put forth their best efforts for U of M students.
