The library, once a sanctuary of enlightenment, now faces the pressures of defunding, leaving its shelves gasping for future students and academics.
Despite ongoing support from students and academics, the academic library at the University of Guelph is currently experiencing budget cuts, posing potential repercussions for both present and future students.
The library is a vital tool that’s helped students throughout their academic journeys, but has it received the proper support it needs to continue to be used in years to come?
Starting from May 1, 2024, the library is set to undergo a $2 million reduction in its continuous operational expenses. This decision is part of the university administration’s efforts to enhance its financial well-being by trimming down basic budgets. According to the official website of the University of Guelph, with the reduction in funds available, “ the library is undertaking an operational review to implement and manage a 9.5 per cent budget reduction, to be achieved by fiscal year 2024-25.”
According to an article written by Guelph Today, “they’re also considering sharing positions with other units to maintain a reduced temporary full-time budget for staffing flexibility, and plan to improve service by offering services through time slots and limiting the number of bookings.”
When asking Guelph University professor Dan Gillis what the impact would be, he said: “I can’t help but feel that these cuts are going to do irreparable harm to the university and its students.”
Librarian technician for the University of Guelph-Humber Dorcus Adjei says “Libraries provide a range of academic support services including research help, digital fluency skill development, learning resources, spaces, and technologies that support students throughout their academic journey.”
Computer science major from York University Yuriy Havrylyuk said, “The academic library is an amazing tool that needs to continuously be funded in order to provide the resources student’s need during their academic journey…it is unfortunate people who do not deserve to lose their job will be unemployed.”
The decrease in funding for academic libraries may be attributed to COVID-19 pandemic that has affected universities and their resources immensely. Library technician Amy Weir mentions there has been a shift in priorities and an increased reliance for more digital resources.
“We have noticed a significant uptake in online services such as virtual chat research support and bookable appointments with librarians. In turn, we have dedicated efforts to ensuring students are able to easily find and access that support online.”
When asking Dorcus Adjei about some of the technological advancements and shifts made by the academic library, she says: “Some examples include the introduction of virtual research support (via chat and one-on-one Teams calls), self-checkout machines, a/v equipment in study rooms, and the introduction of the Idea Lab to support student digital fluency skills development. The Idea Lab offers both digital media and fabrication equipment. “
According to the Ontario Library Association, “The ministry is responsible for distributing funds allocated by the provincial legislature to colleges and universities…The funding of academic libraries is at the discretion of the academic institution.”
Guelph University student Adrian Janishz is concerned about the recent budget decrease:“I am hoping that everything that I had accessible in my first two years at school, is still available to me for academic research help.”
In the face of tightening budgets and reduced operational costs, the academic library stands at a crucial spot. Cutting operational costs would further impact access to staff and resources to all students and academics. It is important to emphasize that with collaborative efforts from academics and students the library can continue to be used as a cornerstone as an educational resource.