Sustaining the Investment
for the University Libraries

Increasing costs of journals, the growth in publishing, reduced state funding, the long-term impact of budget shortfalls and the need to provide materials necessary to sustain a research university present challenges for sustaining and enhancing the University Libraries. Achieving a competitive advantage in research and economic development requires the commitment to invest in the infrastructure, resources and staff. A leading research university cannot exist without an exceptional research library.

The university library is a dynamic, modern community center for learning and information. It is the power source for all the university's core disciplines. Without the library, education would not happen.

As information becomes the great equalizer in today's society, libraries play an increasingly critical role in leveling the playing field by providing access to technology and information resources for everyone. Many of the innovations now making their way into public libraries had their start in college and research libraries. These technologies include virtual reference, wireless access, online library catalogs, virtual library tours, Web-based learning tools and digital library collections.

Even while college libraries receive less than three cents of every dollar spent on higher education, they are seeing skyrocketing costs of 200 percent for academic journals.

Every student, every faculty member, every researcher relies on the resources of the University Library.