Campus Still Split Over the Library
La'Rhonda Swales
Issue date: 2/8/10 Section: News
Hayes said the library also had air-conditioning and roofing problems and mold that was starting to spread.
"I don't think it was fair to students," Hayes said. "It needed to be modernized."
According to a Dec. 12, 2008, memo to the faculty and staff, Nelson said the process to renovate the library started with a request to the Legislature in September 2001. Between June 2004 and January 2007, paperwork was signed, architects were hired and funding was requested.
In June 2004, Lincoln received $6 million for phase one, according to the memo.
In January 2007, Nelson asked for another $7 million to begin phase two, which includes the renovation of the first, second and third floors, establishing a distance education classroom and provide space for academic technology support.
Phase two was to be completed last June, however, the process was delayed due to the lack of funds. The scheduled completion is now Oct. 1, 2010.
"It's not that we don't care and it's not because it's not important. Do you all think I'm just a mean old man who wants to keep the library from you?" Nelson asked a group of student journalists in a recent editorial board meeting in which Nelson outlined his vision and legacy for the university.
The modules-which serve as the temporary library- is a downgrade from the Langston Hughes library, offering four rooms (including a circulation area), and 64 computers.
"It's an incompetent library and there is not enough space," Henry said.
But the student body appears divided over the current space.
"I still have my own place to study," said Ashley Elam, 19 and a sophomore accounting major. "The modules isn't all that bad."
However, junior Jennifer Clarke said that the cramped module is not a place where she can properly study.
"It doesn't have an academic setting," said Clarke, 21, a biology/psychology major. "It doesn't have an academic setting."
Since the library's closing, students can no longer check out journal articles and books in one day. They have to search the online Lincoln library, print out the material they need, and then give it to library officials. The waiting period to get requested material is at least one day.
"I don't think it was fair to students," Hayes said. "It needed to be modernized."
According to a Dec. 12, 2008, memo to the faculty and staff, Nelson said the process to renovate the library started with a request to the Legislature in September 2001. Between June 2004 and January 2007, paperwork was signed, architects were hired and funding was requested.
In June 2004, Lincoln received $6 million for phase one, according to the memo.
In January 2007, Nelson asked for another $7 million to begin phase two, which includes the renovation of the first, second and third floors, establishing a distance education classroom and provide space for academic technology support.
Phase two was to be completed last June, however, the process was delayed due to the lack of funds. The scheduled completion is now Oct. 1, 2010.
"It's not that we don't care and it's not because it's not important. Do you all think I'm just a mean old man who wants to keep the library from you?" Nelson asked a group of student journalists in a recent editorial board meeting in which Nelson outlined his vision and legacy for the university.
The modules-which serve as the temporary library- is a downgrade from the Langston Hughes library, offering four rooms (including a circulation area), and 64 computers.
"It's an incompetent library and there is not enough space," Henry said.
But the student body appears divided over the current space.
"I still have my own place to study," said Ashley Elam, 19 and a sophomore accounting major. "The modules isn't all that bad."
However, junior Jennifer Clarke said that the cramped module is not a place where she can properly study.
"It doesn't have an academic setting," said Clarke, 21, a biology/psychology major. "It doesn't have an academic setting."
Since the library's closing, students can no longer check out journal articles and books in one day. They have to search the online Lincoln library, print out the material they need, and then give it to library officials. The waiting period to get requested material is at least one day.
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