Space is perhaps the most critical issue for the continuation of University purposes. The Long-Range Capital Planning Committee recommended renovation of the current library building as well as additional space for compact shelving of library materials in a new Science and Information Resource Center adjacent to the current library building. This would release space in the current building for storage and study space. When the State authorizes its next capital outlay appropriation, this Center will receive highest priority by the University. The University demonstrates integrity in its practices and relationships related to the operation of the Library.
Procedures are in place to deal with employment issues, and they are followed.
References to the Library in University documents are generally accurate, although the description of the size of the collection is somewhat misleading since, as noted above, fewer than half of the stated 780,000 volumes are in the general collection, and this collection constitutes only 154,000 unique titles. Statements regarding progress toward addressing problems recognized with the library buildings and collections since at least 1988 have been somewhat optimistic, however, given the slow progress to date. Given the clearly expressed need for improved library collections since at least the last NCA visit, the process for approving new PhD programs raises a concern. Request forms for each of the 7 new PhD programs approved since 1988 indicate that no additional library resources would be necessary to implement those programs. This omission appears to be factually incorrect, and has not been addressed in the planning process.