On April 1st, the Libraries submitted our 2009-2010 budget reduction proposal to the Provost. The Libraries were asked to identify budget cuts of $387,799 from the Health Science Center Libraries and $2.278 million from the Smathers Libraries, for a total of $2,665,799.
The 10% budget reduction proposal was submitted on a spreadsheet and accompanied by a narrative. Both documents are posted here on the blog as PDF files.
The narrative includes the University Library Committee resolution in support of the Libraries' budgets and identifies strategic decisions reflected in the proposed personnel reductions. It also documents that the Libraries will have lost $1.7 million in purchasing power in the three years from 2007-2008 through 2009-2010, independent of any reduction in our materials budget, due to price increases in the print and electronic information resources that we acquire for our users.
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Does the table show the order in which cuts are being proposed?
ReplyDeleteYes, the table shows the cuts in the order in which they will be taken. The first item (Funding for Smathers Operational Expenses) would be the first item to be cut.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this prioritization is based on the information that was available when the budget was prepared. By mid-May to mid-June, when we know the final budget for the Libraries, additional information may be available to us that results in a change in these priorities.
I see a whole bunch of nickel and diming in these cuts-an inverted pyramid of piffle. Why don't the cutters cut themselves instead of throwing a bunch of harmless people out on their asses.This is AIG all over again. Screw your fancy plans.
ReplyDeleteAt this point in time, there is not much that we as employee's can do. All we can do is pray and see what happens. I'm sure this is not an easy task for anyone who must make these difficulty decisions. We must remember that no one asked for this and we also must think of the Libraries and our patrons!!
ReplyDeleteDear Library Administration,
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing me with a paycheck over the years. I realize that I've never worked a full week and that I suffer from hypochondria. I also like it that I can string my research days along with vacation days. Most of all thank God for tenure. I've never liked all those lackeys who show up on time and work all day-how boring-they ought to get a life. So keep on cutting- that means more for you and me.
Here's a shout out to Library Administration and HR for supporting all my time off from the Library. You know I can't stand being cooped up all day in a library so thanks for letting go on vacation, conferences, whatever that will get me the hell out of the office. Hell, let the lackeys cover for me. This is the deep south so that's the way its supposed to be. Don't cut all of them because they do serve a purpose and make us look good to the public.
ReplyDeleteHere's a video for all of you to appreciate:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnW6GsMBLMg
When the budget is final and if it's less than we have been told to anticipate(10%), will the reductions begin from the top of the table and work down until the required amount is reached?
ReplyDeleteThe purpose of prioritizing the list was to give the President and Senior Vice Presidents an indication of the likely order of the cuts. Once the budget is final, if the Libraries' cuts are less than 10%, we will have an opportunity to review the list of cuts and adjust it -- with the understanding that radical changes would need to reviewed with and approved by the Provost.
ReplyDeleteThis interim period, while we are waiting to know the final budget, is a good time to consider alternatives and discuss them within your department and with other colleagues.
I'm a librarian from another state university and read about your situation on the Digital Koans blog.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I applaud your transparency in this difficult time for your library. Given the situation I know all of your thinly-spread staff must be working hard, including those of us who must hit the pavement to attend conferences and meet with faculty. Take if from someone who's been surprisingly laid off in the past, it really helps to have pending changes come at less of a surprise and to keep all staff informed when possible. Good luck to you!
Every time we cut a book out of the collection we are sending knowledge to the basement of history.
ReplyDeleteI find it upsetting that we are hiring new librarians and library workers while firing others who could take on those jobs. Please consider reassigning our people to new positions rather than hiring from outside the libraries.
ReplyDeleteIn particular Laura Jordan could perform well in the Chemistry Librarian position. Elaine Needelman could take the Judaica position.
We have been evaluating every vacancy to see if it can be left unfilled or filled internally. Whenever one can be filled internally, that is what we are doing and we will continue to do that.
ReplyDeleteWe also have an obligation to deliver essential services the faculty, staff and students of the University. For that reason, when we cannot fill a critical position internally, we will continue to seek external candidates.
This is a difficult time for the University and for the Libraries. No one wants to see positions eliminated or the materials budget cut. Unfortunately, the severe economic situation in the state and the country may force us to take these actions.
Please remember that we do not yet know the final budget for the University or the Libraries, so we do not know if anyone from the Libraries will be laid off. I certainly hope that will not be necessary.