Despite the budget cuts the University has endured since January 2009, Ellender Memorial Library has been working to accommodate the needs of the students.The effect most obvious to students has been the change in library operating hours. In an effort to conserve energy, library hours were shortened in the spring 2009 semester by eliminating late night hours. Due to student requests, the late hours were reinstated the following semester, but Saturday closures took its place.

The library, along with the entire University, also began operating on a four-and-a-half day workweek during the summer. This began in the summer of 2009 and will continue this summer. Carol Mathias, library director, said that though the library will only be open four-and-a half days, the 11 p.m. closing time will stay in place to allow access to the library at night.

Mathias said the cuts have also affected other various aspects of the library, including the books and audio/visual materials.

“The amount we budget for books and audio/visual material is significantly lower now than it was a few years ago,” Mathias said. “When you factor in the increasing cost of materials, we really take a double hit.”

However, the library has been able to maintain current database subscriptions. This has allowed students access to the most up-to-date information on scholarly journal articles.

The budget cuts have also affected the way the library operates on a day-to-day basis. The supply budget, having been cut more than 60 percent, has forced the library staff to conserve on things such as printer ink and paper.

The travel budget has become almost nonexistent, eliminating the opportunity for librarians to go to national conferences. In the past, attendance at these conferences has kept the library updated on the newest resources and products.

The library employees have also been affected. A faculty position in the library has been frozen, which means they cannot currently fill it. In addition, library faculty, as well as all University faculty, have not received raises in several years, and civil service employees in the library did not receive merit raises last year.

“Despite the budgetary setbacks,” Mathias said, “the staff in the library work hard to provide the services and resources our students need to succeed with their assignments.