No books will be bought for The University of Memphis libraries this year, and if the budget remains the same, next year many journals and electronic sources, like databases, will also be missing.
"There is no money. We would love to buy books, but after we pay for periodicals and electronic databases, there is no money left," said Sylverna Ford, dean of university libraries.
From the money given to the library by The University, electronic resources and journals are the first priority. The library is contractually obligated to subscribe to journals and electronic sources. That cost must be covered before any money can be allotted to the book collection.
But as subscription costs for the journals and databases rise, there has been less and less money available for buying new books.
Now there is none left for books at all, according to officials.
The average inflation rate for library materials is 10 to 12 percent each year, but the funding given to the library has remained unchanged for five years.
"Books are not less important, but our hands or tied," said Chris Matz, collection development librarian and assistant professor.
"We can't pay for the two (books and electronic sources) at once. If the library were to drop three databases for a book that would be political suicide," he said.
Besides an obligation to retain electronic sources, there is also a higher demand for them instead of books from students and professors.
Matt Goad, junior communication major, prefers the electronic sources to the books in the library and finds it easier to "scour the different databases online."
"I can access everything at home or from my laptop," he said.
However, as the prices for journals and electronic sources increase, they too will be systematically eliminated. Until then, they and interlibrary loans are the only means for new materials available to students.
For students who prefer books or who are easily frustrated by electronic sources, this can be unwelcome news.
Jennah Green, sophomore English and history major, avoids most electronic sources.
"I don't like them at all. I feel like I'm wasting time when I use them. I always use books."
Matz holds the same sentiment.
"It hurts me," he said. "There is no substitute for a book. You can take it camping, to the beach, in the bathtub."
Professors are also upset about the lack of new book acquisitions.
"We (the faculty) feel terrible. In history, books are vital. They are necessary for the academic health of the department," said Margaret Caffrey, associate history professor and faculty representative to the library.
The hope of money for book acquisitions rests upon the provost. Ford said that they may receive some money by late spring or early summer, but she is "unsure."
