UA libraries move up in national ranking

"When you give money to the library, you are giving money to the whole campus," Carla Stoffle said. "You have to have a great library for teaching and research programs to be top notch."

She said that an extra $498,000 given to the libraries by the state Legislature for the 1995-96 fiscal year was one reason the Association of Research Libraries moved the University of Arizona's libraries to 27th in the nation for 1995-96. The libraries were previously ranked 29th.

Stoffle said the libraries had the highest ranking between 1982 to 1984 when they were 17th in the nation, but the ranking dropped rapidly when the budget was cut in 1982.

"From 1982-83 to 1992-93 the library didn't fare all that well," Stoffle said. "President (John) Schaefer made the library a priority, but he left in 1983."

She said that from 1974-82, the libraries were looked upon as critical to the university.

"Schaefer didn't feel that you could have a good university without a good library," Stoffle said. "There is now a greater concern for the libraries on the part of the president, provost, and faculty."

Henry Koffler succeeded Schaefer as president of the UA.

Stoffle said $1 million of the libraries' 1996-97 $6.3 million information access budget was acquired within the past three years.

Richard Roberts, UA's chief budget officer, said it was not a lack of concern, but a 10 percent mid-year 1982-83 budget recession that was responsible for the cut.

"Everybody had to pick up the slack," he said.

Roberts said the rising costs of books and technology along with budget cuts mandated by the university have made the libraries economically uncertain.

"They've had to deal with being squeezed from both directions," he said.

Although the libraries were forced to take a cuts between 1982-92, they were not cut as much as other university divisions because of their "instructional function," Roberts said.

He said instructional facilities, which include the colleges and the libraries, are cut one-third to one-half less than the rest of the university.

"We've done our damndest to support them in their uncertain times," Roberts said. "The libraries have the expectation to provide those who use it with the most current information."

Stoffle said the increase in the libraries' standing directly correlates with the quality of research at the UA, which is now ranked 10th in the country by the National Science Foundation.

"When others invest in a library, it allows us to do a better job and makes research more competitive," she said. "Researchers depend on libraries."

Stoffle said 43 percent of the $13.8 million the libraries received this fiscal year went to the libraries' information access budget. That percentage is among the highest in the nation.

Information access funds are used to buy more books, make sure journals are accessible and acquire electronic databases, she said.

There are five university libraries, Stoffle said. They are the Main Library, Science-Engineering and Oriental Studies Library, Music Library, Architecture Library and Center for Creative Photography.

Stoffle said 100,000 volumes are added to the $40 million to $50 million collection each year.

"Each year, it (the collection's worth) raises by about $6 million to $8 million," she said.

Assistant Librarian Jennalyn Tellman said the library should be commended for the access it provides to various information.

"Students cannot rely just upon faculty lectures alone - they also need the ability to research," she said.

Tellman said electronic texts and indexes are the "gateway" to information.

"The library is especially helpful to undergrads by providing access to current periodicals online," she said. "This enables students to find information from their dorms or from computer labs or elsewhere."

The libraries received a $350,000 increase in funding for 1996-97. The increase in funding went directly to the information access fund, Stoffle said.

The libraries were the only area that did not face a budget cut from the UA this fiscal year.

"We have received a lot of support from the administration," Stoffle said. "They experienced budget cuts and they could have kept it (the money given to the library)."

She said that since 1994, $750,000 has been reallocated by eliminating some paid positions. That money was then reworked into information access budgets to buy new materials.

"We are running a lean ship to buy more access," Stoffle said. "We'd like more staff, but we've streamlined our operations in order to maximize results."

Tellman said she thought the dedication of the employees is something the libraries should be proud of.

"If people don't care and don't work hard the library won't be successful," she said. "Most people who work here are extremely helpful and competent and are focused on what the users need."

Regional development senior Mike Taft said that aside from the Main Library's "good" access to information, the quality of the staff contributes to the atmosphere.

"Everybody here is great," he said. "The reference people are all so helpful."

Taft said, however, that despite an increase in information sources, he often has a hard time finding newspapers and journals.

Media arts junior Randy Korth said that, depending upon the topic, it can sometimes be difficult to find information in the library.

"Many times, the only sources I can find are not in-depth enough for my papers," he said. "There just isn't enough information."

Stoffle said electronic advancements, which include searching for book and periodical titles and articles online, are "top notch."

"Six years ago, we were still using the card catalogue," she said. "We have made tremendous strides."

Stoffle said there is a lot in store for the libraries in the future.

She said the new Information Commons prototypes installed in the Main Library will eventually be part of the Integrated Instructional Facility, which will provide a 24-hour study area for library users.

She also said the library plans to put 10 more computers in the Main and science libraries that will have Netscape software.

"We hope to have the library wired so students can sit at tables with their laptops and connect to the Internet and e-mail," Stoffle said.

She said these plans are the result of student requests.

"We are also looking at a self-check-out service that we may have within a year," Stoffle said.

Students would be able to check out material until the libraries close and would not have to wait in line, she said.

The Main Library is open until 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, but the circulation desk closes at 11 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, both the library and the circulation desk are open until 6 p.m.

"A good library provides access in a timely manner," Stoffle said. "Getting information to people is needed for education and research progress."