Save the UCLA Arts Library
Target:
UCLA Administration and Library Management
Sponsored by:
UCLA Library Management, behind closed doors and without consultation with the UCLA community has decided to close its Arts Library, potentially as soon as January 2010.
For decades, the Arts Library has served faculty, students and the Southern California community as an essential cultural resource. In terms of research and scholarship it supports some of the nation's best programs in the arts, architecture, art history, film, television, theater and the humanities. With over 270,000 volumes and unique collections, the Arts Library is a singular institution in Los Angeles, a burgeoning center for the arts. It must be preserved.
We understand that the UCLA Library must meet a nearly $2 million shortfall. However, the permanent elimination of a critical UCLA institution must not be the solution to a short term budget crisis.
For decades, the Arts Library has served faculty, students and the Southern California community as an essential cultural resource. In terms of research and scholarship it supports some of the nation's best programs in the arts, architecture, art history, film, television, theater and the humanities. With over 270,000 volumes and unique collections, the Arts Library is a singular institution in Los Angeles, a burgeoning center for the arts. It must be preserved.
We understand that the UCLA Library must meet a nearly $2 million shortfall. However, the permanent elimination of a critical UCLA institution must not be the solution to a short term budget crisis.
UCLA Library Management, behind closed doors and without consultation with the UCLA community has decided to close its Arts Library, potentially as soon as January 2010.
For decades, the Arts Library has served faculty, students and the Southern California community as an essential cultural resource. In terms of research and scholarship it supports some of the nation's best programs in the arts, architecture, art history, film, television, theater and the humanities. With over 270,000 volumes and unique collections, the Arts Library is a singular institution in Los Angeles, a burgeoning center for the arts. It must be preserved.
We understand that the UCLA Library must meet a nearly $2 million shortfall. However, the permanent elimination of a critical UCLA institution must not be the solution to a short term budget crisis.
For decades, the Arts Library has served faculty, students and the Southern California community as an essential cultural resource. In terms of research and scholarship it supports some of the nation's best programs in the arts, architecture, art history, film, television, theater and the humanities. With over 270,000 volumes and unique collections, the Arts Library is a singular institution in Los Angeles, a burgeoning center for the arts. It must be preserved.
We understand that the UCLA Library must meet a nearly $2 million shortfall. However, the permanent elimination of a critical UCLA institution must not be the solution to a short term budget crisis.
Professor George Baker and I started this petition on August 19 to rally support for keeping the UCLA Arts Library open and for beginning conversations about its survival both in the short and long terms. In the 12 days this petition appeared on the Internet, 3,962 concerned people from all over the world added their signatures. Many of them also provided thoughtful commentary. I offer this to you as a means of showing in part the importance of the library as an institution whose reach extends far beyond our Westwood home and as a means of illustrating in some fashion how an arts library's collections are different from many others. I personally found this to be very illuminating on a number of different levels. It is my hope that you do as well.
Sincerely,
Steven Nelson
Associate Professor of African and African American Art History
Chair, UCLA Graduate Council, 2009-10
UCLA, Department of Art History
Sincerely,
Steven Nelson
Associate Professor of African and African American Art History
Chair, UCLA Graduate Council, 2009-10
UCLA, Department of Art History
We signed the "Save the UCLA Arts Library" petition!
# 3,962:
9:42 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Ronni Sanlo, California
# 3,961:
9:22 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Linda Lara, California
# 3,960:
8:32 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Rob McGarry, Hawaii
Close the math building.
Close the math building.
# 3,959:
8:31 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Susan Ali, California
# 3,958:
8:30 pm PDT, Aug 31,
T.L. Reid, Kansas
We must salvage these invaluable materials.
We must salvage these invaluable materials.
# 3,957:
8:10 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Cheryl Shurtleff, Idaho
I am a professor in the Boise State University Department of Art. I know how important it is to have an art library near student-artists, who need quick access to monographs on a regular basis. Please don't eliminate this library.
I am a professor in the Boise State University Department of Art. I know how important it is to have an art library near student-artists, who need quick access to monographs on a regular basis. Please don't eliminate this library.
# 3,956:
8:05 pm PDT, Aug 31,
James Morrison, California
I am so tired of signing petitions like this...Could those in "power" just try, even a bit, to do things right?
I am so tired of signing petitions like this...Could those in "power" just try, even a bit, to do things right?
# 3,955:
7:46 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Xochitl Oliva, California
# 3,954:
7:41 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Lisa Klenske, Iowa
Why would anyone want to close such an integral part of UCLA. Once again, in looking for a quick fix, a university is targeting the Arts. Please don't do it.
Why would anyone want to close such an integral part of UCLA. Once again, in looking for a quick fix, a university is targeting the Arts. Please don't do it.
# 3,953:
6:27 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Katherine Roddy, California
# 3,952:
2:54 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Charley Downey, Kansas
# 3,951:
2:44 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Name not displayed, Idaho
# 3,950:
2:13 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Sevak Tatevosyan, California
# 3,949:
2:07 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Elaine Watson, Idaho
Departmental libraries are important!
Departmental libraries are important!
# 3,948:
1:55 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Hye Shin, California
# 3,947:
1:50 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Ioana Stamatescu, New York
# 3,946:
1:49 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Karol Wight, California
As a graduate of UCLA's Department of Art History I cannot emphasize enough how important the Art Library was to me not only as a student, but also as an employer. Its holdings are stilled used by me and my colleagues today as we conduct our work at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Please do not close this venerable resource.
As a graduate of UCLA's Department of Art History I cannot emphasize enough how important the Art Library was to me not only as a student, but also as an employer. Its holdings are stilled used by me and my colleagues today as we conduct our work at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Please do not close this venerable resource.
# 3,945:
1:46 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Name not displayed, Kansas
# 3,944:
1:35 pm PDT, Aug 31,
William Conly, California
# 3,943:
12:59 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Dan Ewing, Florida
This is a shortsighted and egregious decision. It should be fully reversed, and the library kept open, even if certain modifications in times, acquisitions, etc. must be made - DO NOT CLOSE IT!
This is a shortsighted and egregious decision. It should be fully reversed, and the library kept open, even if certain modifications in times, acquisitions, etc. must be made - DO NOT CLOSE IT!
# 3,942:
12:56 pm PDT, Aug 31,
David Easton, California
As an architecture student at UCLA, I benefited first hand from the Arts Library on campus. It is a valuable asset for students and faculty. I do not understand how a university can maintain its credibility without supporting its departmental libraries. Please find a way to keep the doors of the Arts Library open. It is the best way for students to learn and understand the art and architecture of the world.
As an architecture student at UCLA, I benefited first hand from the Arts Library on campus. It is a valuable asset for students and faculty. I do not understand how a university can maintain its credibility without supporting its departmental libraries. Please find a way to keep the doors of the Arts Library open. It is the best way for students to learn and understand the art and architecture of the world.
# 3,941:
12:51 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Kat Nadler, California
# 3,940:
12:49 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Name not displayed, California
# 3,939:
12:47 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Stephen Loewen, Texas
# 3,938:
12:30 pm PDT, Aug 31,
James McAlister, Rhode Island
Look at the people who are truly making a difference in this world. The vast majority of them are musicians, writers, poets, painters, artists. Please do not take away resources from those who might make the greatest impact on this planet. We need to keep this and other libraries like it open....PLEASE find another way......
Look at the people who are truly making a difference in this world. The vast majority of them are musicians, writers, poets, painters, artists. Please do not take away resources from those who might make the greatest impact on this planet. We need to keep this and other libraries like it open....PLEASE find another way......
# 3,937:
12:11 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Andrea Myers, West Virginia
# 3,936:
11:41 am PDT, Aug 31,
Lynn Jacobs, Arkansas
I used this library extensively while preparing my dissertation. This is a fantastic resource and it would be a terrible shame to see it close. The arts area is one area in which sustantial use of books -- as opposed to electronic resources -- remains critical, and arts libraries need to be preserved.
I used this library extensively while preparing my dissertation. This is a fantastic resource and it would be a terrible shame to see it close. The arts area is one area in which sustantial use of books -- as opposed to electronic resources -- remains critical, and arts libraries need to be preserved.
# 3,935:
11:29 am PDT, Aug 31,
Chelsea Hardy, Nevada
# 3,934:
11:28 am PDT, Aug 31,
Katlijne Van der Stighelen, Belgium
This news is really unbelievable!!! Prof. dr. Katlijne Van der Stighelen
This news is really unbelievable!!! Prof. dr. Katlijne Van der Stighelen
# 3,933:
11:15 am PDT, Aug 31,
Heller Rathbone, California
Please do everything in your power to keep this valuable resource open. Without it, I fear that our society will be irrevocably injured.
Please do everything in your power to keep this valuable resource open. Without it, I fear that our society will be irrevocably injured.
# 3,932:
11:13 am PDT, Aug 31,
Sylvia Parisotto, California
# 3,931:
11:02 am PDT, Aug 31,
Natasha Lewandrowski, Washington
Dear UCLA, I urge you to reconsider closing your arts library. As a worker in the arts museum field I know how valuable such a resource is. It would be terrible to see one close for lack of budget. I hope you can find another way.
Dear UCLA, I urge you to reconsider closing your arts library. As a worker in the arts museum field I know how valuable such a resource is. It would be terrible to see one close for lack of budget. I hope you can find another way.
# 3,930:
10:56 am PDT, Aug 31,
Elena Heillmann, California
The quality of education depends on the quality of its libraries! Please preserve UCLA education.
The quality of education depends on the quality of its libraries! Please preserve UCLA education.
# 3,929:
10:52 am PDT, Aug 31,
Lena Cuisina, California
If you close the library, I'll hurl myself off the roof of the Max Factor building.
If you close the library, I'll hurl myself off the roof of the Max Factor building.
# 3,928:
10:47 am PDT, Aug 31,
Chiyo Ishikawa, Washington
The UCLA Arts Library is an invaluable resource within Los Angeles and within the network of art libraries around the country. It is extremely short-sighted to consider closing the library--this will have much larger ramifications, and not only for art historians. The University cannot afford to compromise itself and its mission of scholarship and dissemination of knowledge.
The UCLA Arts Library is an invaluable resource within Los Angeles and within the network of art libraries around the country. It is extremely short-sighted to consider closing the library--this will have much larger ramifications, and not only for art historians. The University cannot afford to compromise itself and its mission of scholarship and dissemination of knowledge.
# 3,927:
10:42 am PDT, Aug 31,
E Winter, New York
# 3,926:
10:41 am PDT, Aug 31,
Jessica Kalweit, California
# 3,925:
10:20 am PDT, Aug 31,
Leora Maltz-Leca, Washington D.C.
# 3,924:
10:01 am PDT, Aug 31,
Nancy Serwint, Arizona
A library is the heart and soul of a university, and UCLA's Arts Library supports a vibrant and highly respected undergraduate and graduate curriculum in the arts. I would hope that university administration considers in depth the ramification of closing this important educational resource.
A library is the heart and soul of a university, and UCLA's Arts Library supports a vibrant and highly respected undergraduate and graduate curriculum in the arts. I would hope that university administration considers in depth the ramification of closing this important educational resource.
# 3,923:
9:47 am PDT, Aug 31,
Mona Jimenez, New York
# 3,922:
9:47 am PDT, Aug 31,
Leslie Schick, Massachusetts
# 3,921:
9:43 am PDT, Aug 31,
Joe Parrott, California
# 3,920:
9:42 am PDT, Aug 31,
Stephanie Sueppel, Iowa
Dear UCLA Administration: The University of Iowa lost the art library/new art building, museum, Hancher Auditorium and many other wonderful facilities in the horrible flood of 2008. It is a recovery that will take years to replace and restore. Unfortunately, as a result, the University of Iowa has fallen in rankings in publications i.e. U.S. News and World Report. Please reconsider your decision to close the UCLA Arts Library as this will not only have a negative impact on art research on the UCLA campus but also on UCLA's role as a leader in art education.
Dear UCLA Administration: The University of Iowa lost the art library/new art building, museum, Hancher Auditorium and many other wonderful facilities in the horrible flood of 2008. It is a recovery that will take years to replace and restore. Unfortunately, as a result, the University of Iowa has fallen in rankings in publications i.e. U.S. News and World Report. Please reconsider your decision to close the UCLA Arts Library as this will not only have a negative impact on art research on the UCLA campus but also on UCLA's role as a leader in art education.
# 3,919:
9:42 am PDT, Aug 31,
Melissa Frank, Massachusetts
# 3,918:
9:41 am PDT, Aug 31,
Leora Lutz, California
# 3,917:
9:31 am PDT, Aug 31,
Vanessa Kam, Canada
Closing a library and severely compromising access to its resources and the expertise of its staff pose significant impediments to scholarship. Libraries are central to the learning enterprise. This is more than counterproductive; it is antithetical to the whole raison d'etre of universities. As this petition shows, the UCLA Arts Library has a well-deserved international following. We are all watching and extremely concerned.
Closing a library and severely compromising access to its resources and the expertise of its staff pose significant impediments to scholarship. Libraries are central to the learning enterprise. This is more than counterproductive; it is antithetical to the whole raison d'etre of universities. As this petition shows, the UCLA Arts Library has a well-deserved international following. We are all watching and extremely concerned.
# 3,916:
9:29 am PDT, Aug 31,
Jennifer Sargent, Tennessee
This is a loss to the arts that can never be reversed. This decision is a shortsighted, short term, supposed, solution to an economic problem. Keep your hands off the arts, they should not be viewed simply as an easy target. UCLA is supposed to be concerned with scholarship, research and learning. Show it in your actions and in your regard for future generations.
This is a loss to the arts that can never be reversed. This decision is a shortsighted, short term, supposed, solution to an economic problem. Keep your hands off the arts, they should not be viewed simply as an easy target. UCLA is supposed to be concerned with scholarship, research and learning. Show it in your actions and in your regard for future generations.
# 3,915:
8:55 am PDT, Aug 31,
Thomas Frick, California
Many sudden and egregious decisions are being made these days without proper thought of impact, under various budget mandates. The fact that I hadn't heard of this one until the petition was circulated, though I work in arts publishing in the same city, suggests an alarming lack of transparency, even covert behavior.
Many sudden and egregious decisions are being made these days without proper thought of impact, under various budget mandates. The fact that I hadn't heard of this one until the petition was circulated, though I work in arts publishing in the same city, suggests an alarming lack of transparency, even covert behavior.
# 3,914:
8:41 am PDT, Aug 31,
Robert Bailey, Pennsylvania
# 3,913:
8:36 am PDT, Aug 31,
Daniel Mauro, Kansas
# 3,912:
8:15 am PDT, Aug 31,
Gonçalves Maria Dulce Vaz, Portugal
# 3,911:
8:03 am PDT, Aug 31,
Lawrence W. Nichols, Ohio
# 3,910:
8:02 am PDT, Aug 31,
Zachary Ingle, Kansas
There are so many films--national treasurs--that are only housed at UCLA!
There are so many films--national treasurs--that are only housed at UCLA!
# 3,909:
7:58 am PDT, Aug 31,
Name not displayed, Illinois
# 3,908:
7:53 am PDT, Aug 31,
Amy Winter, New York
# 3,907:
7:42 am PDT, Aug 31,
Maryann Chach, New York
The arts are what allow us to hope and dream and give flight to our imagination. Please don't close this major and important research collection. Now is the time to support the arts, not cut them.
The arts are what allow us to hope and dream and give flight to our imagination. Please don't close this major and important research collection. Now is the time to support the arts, not cut them.
# 3,906:
7:28 am PDT, Aug 31,
Trevor Thornton, New York
# 3,905:
7:20 am PDT, Aug 31,
Mary Hughes Brookhart, North Carolina
# 3,904:
7:02 am PDT, Aug 31,
Karen O'Rourke, France
The UCLA Arts Library is known and admired by academics and students in the arts the world over. Don't sacrifice this important institution.
The UCLA Arts Library is known and admired by academics and students in the arts the world over. Don't sacrifice this important institution.
# 3,903:
6:45 am PDT, Aug 31,
Stephanie Clark, New York
I hope that UCLA can find a way to continue maintaining such a wonderful resource both for its own student body, and that of the visual arts community. I fear that a closing of educational resources, such as the UCLA Arts Library, places the materials in a vulnerable position to be purchased by the private sector and leaves it out of reach to enlighten and educate future generations. When will institutions begin to consider the arts an essential element of culture?
I hope that UCLA can find a way to continue maintaining such a wonderful resource both for its own student body, and that of the visual arts community. I fear that a closing of educational resources, such as the UCLA Arts Library, places the materials in a vulnerable position to be purchased by the private sector and leaves it out of reach to enlighten and educate future generations. When will institutions begin to consider the arts an essential element of culture?
# 3,902:
6:27 am PDT, Aug 31,
Suzanne Walker, Louisiana
I was fortunate to have access to UCLA's Arts Library collection when I was writing my dissertation at Berkeley. Its destruction would be a terrible loss to students and scholars in Los Angeles, the entire UC system, and beyond.
I was fortunate to have access to UCLA's Arts Library collection when I was writing my dissertation at Berkeley. Its destruction would be a terrible loss to students and scholars in Los Angeles, the entire UC system, and beyond.
# 3,901:
6:20 am PDT, Aug 31,
John Floreen, New Jersey
Your arts library is of great importance not only to your students, faculty and staff, but to the academic community at large--nation-wide as well as internationallhy. This is an issue that could have grave long range consequences if UCLA were to dismantle a significant part ot the library.
Your arts library is of great importance not only to your students, faculty and staff, but to the academic community at large--nation-wide as well as internationallhy. This is an issue that could have grave long range consequences if UCLA were to dismantle a significant part ot the library.
