Save SU's Bird Library!

Since 2004, 20% of the books in Syracuse University's Bird Library have been removed and current plans aim to continue this process, eventually turning the majority of the Library into space for socialization.

Please join us in requesting that Syracuse University honor its traditions of academic excellence by returning the books to the shelves of Bird Library.

Dr. Nancy Cantor, Chancellor of Syracuse University:



We, the undersigned represent undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, alumni and university staff.



We have been troubled by the recent changes made to the structure and character of Bird Library.  For the past five years, the total number of books available in the stacks has declined, according to Library estimates, by 20% and current plans exist to convert much of the Library into social spaces; many remaining books will be transferred to off-site warehouses.  While we understand that current economic difficulties may limit new acquisitions, a direct decline of overall books shows a fundamental shift in priorities.  This lack of books has caused prolific difficulties for the learning process.  Needed books are simply not available.  Students must turn to other avenues: borrowing from one another or from professors, turning to public libraries, inter-library loan, illegal photocopying or direct purchase.  We find it unacceptable that a major research institution able to invest tens of millions of dollars in library upgrades cannot find the budget to purchase enough scholarly works to support the ongoing research of its students and faculty. 



Although recent trends show that some students learn more effectively through social interaction than reading or listening, the intention to transform more of the library's limited area into social spaces would come at the expense of all other library users.    Social study areas already exist in the library as well as in almost every other campus building.  Sacrificing the direct accessibility of what books presently remain in Bird Library would inhibit the ability of students and faculty to do research by creating an increased delay in acquiring books and completely ending browsing as a method of locating related information. It is not just "a few old-fashioned professors" who depend on books.



We fear that, over time, these changes will lead to a precipitous decline in academic performance at Syracuse University.  It will become increasingly difficult for graduates to obtain work and for the University to attract high quality faculty and graduate students.  We are concerned that a declining Library will violate one of the central tenants of the SU Compact adopted by the University Senate on November 18, 1992: to "support scholarly learning as the central mission of the University."  Ultimately, this may hamper the central mission of the University to "promote learning through teaching, research, scholarship, creative accomplishment and service."  A University that turns away from books cannot hope to produce the highest quality scholars.



In response, we request that the University Library take three steps to bring itself back into accord with the goals set by the Mission and the Compact:



1)     Book Acquisition: The University Library must cease immediately the liquidation of book collections.  This should be followed with a plan to restore collections to 2004 levels by 2014.  Future removals of books should be matched with up-to-date replacement.


2)     Book Access:  The current plan to "warehouse" books off-site should be shelved.  The Library must take all available steps to make as many books as possible directly available to students, faculty and the public.


3)     Vision: The University should convene a panel of representatives from all affected groups-Administrators, Faculty, Undergraduates, Graduates and Library Staff-to examine the current status of the Library and to develop a plan to align the Library with the goals and needs for advanced scholarship as laid out in the SU Mission and Compact.




Thank you for your time and we hope to hear from you soon.

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