University of Virginia Library

Library 'Gripe Session' Draws Few Students
To Protest Inefficiency, Lack Of Finances

By Philip Kimball

"An incredible display of apathy. It's
unparalleled!" said Monty Harris,
Chairman of the Library Committee and
member of the Student Council, about
the student turnout yesterday afternoon
for the "gripe session" on the state of
Alderman Library. Mr. Ray Frantz,
University librarian, and eight members

of his staff were available to answer
questions from the seventeen students
who showed up for the meeting.

"We have publicized this meeting
extensively," said Mr. Harris. "It has been
advertised in The Cavalier Daily, on
WTJU and WUVA. Posters have been put up
across the Grounds. We need to dramatize the
necessity for more money."

While complaints about the lighting, lack of
books and the gross inefficiency of the library
staff were heard, the main topic of discussion
was the library's lack of finances. The library's
budget is now $2.4 million. Approximately 35
per cent of this money is for books while the
rest is for salaries and other expenses. Mr.
Frantz hopes that in the near future $300,000
will be allocated for books instead of the
present $60,000.

"The answer is just how much the state
legislature values education," said Mr. Frantz.

"The library needs uncommitted money,"
said Mr. Harris. Money from private sources
including class gifts and donations from the
various honor and secret societies is greatly
needed, he said. Mr. Frantz said he hopes that
with this money, problems such as inadequate
staffing can be dealt with. He said that money
from the legislature will hardly meet the
demands of the library, especially with the
increase in student enrollment.

Although Mr. Frantz has been plagued with
these problems, he stated that the
administration has been very sympathetic but
that they can help only to a degree. He said he
felt that dramatization by University students is
necessary to show the state legislature just how
bad the financial situation of the library is.