Quality of libraries questioned

            While students are taking to social networking sites to voice their concerns about the decay of UB's library and computing services, university officials are insisting that plans are in the works to improve campus technology and expand learning areas.

            However, these plans are still in their very early stages and won't take place until the UB2020 planning committee reviews them, leaving students clamoring for instant gratification for their rising concerns.

            'We just want the administration to be aware that we're dissatisfied with the current state of the libraries and study spaces,' said Paige Nyer, a senior communication major.

            In the past few days, it's become clear that many UB students feel the same way.

            After completing a project on the library situation for one of her communication classes last semester, Nyer and her groupmates began a Facebook group called 'Students Want Better UB Libraries,' which has rocketed to 1,426 members in a matter of days.

            Group members have already sparked lively discussions and the 'wall' has exploded with students voicing their opinions about anything and everything — from computers and printing to ripped chairs and cracked drywall.

            'If you just look at the libraries, they're disgusting. There [are] not enough computers for students and everything is falling apart,' Nyer said. 'We're hoping to persuade students to take action and demand better services and facilities.'

            Currently UB has about 2,500 computers for a student population of nearly 30,000.

            'We're looking to improve informal learning spaces, which is just a fancy word for places where students can comfortably use their notebook computer,' said Richard Lesniak, director of CIT's academic services.

            According to Lesniak, these improvements are the most beneficial use of money, as a survey showed that 85 percent of UB students own notebook computers.

            'We're trying to make campus spaces and classrooms more accessible for students to bring in their own machines. We've invested in power strips and furniture already,' Lesniak said.

            So far, Knox and the Baldy walkway have already received a technological facelift.

            However, not all students are satisfied with this plan. Many feel that UB would benefit from more computers and a better printing system, especially iprint@UB, which lets students print from their computers to UB printers. Currently, the program is not compatible with Macintosh computers.

            'Not every student has a laptop and for these reasons, UB needs more computers and more printers. The lines are ridiculous,' Nyer said.

            However, not all student concerns are based on library technology; some are concerned about the library catalogue itself, as UB is a research institution.

            Many of the comments on the Facebook group remark on all of the empty shelves in the libraries and the number of books that are supposed to be on the shelves, but aren't.

            'A lot of times when I go into the library looking for a book, [the circulation desk] says it's lost. Why don't they replace lost books? Why are there empty shelves? Why not either fill them or remove them in favor of more desks, computers and study areas?' Nyer asks.

            According to Karen Senglaup, director of access services and the financial officer for UB Libraries, the UB Libraries are currently home to 3.7 million books, 80,000 academic journals, 578,000 eBooks and the largest collection of James Joyce manuscripts in the world, but there are plans along with the UB2020 campus initiative to expand the libraries.

            'Everything is still in the early stages of planning, but there are things in the works,' Senglaup said. 'We're really excited about upgrading the library facilities, especially Capen and Lockwood, which are used the most.'

            Senglaup, along with Lesniak, wants students to know that their demands for better facilities have been heard and that action is being taken — but it can't happen overnight.

            'We need time, money, space and the opportunity. We can't renovate during the semester when these spaces are needed for classes. Students should know that we are planning to make changes and they will happen,' Lesniak said.

            Nyer hopes this is true, as she and her groupmates now feel personally involved in the cause.