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Still haven't found the library? That might not matter soon

Abstract:
Students, faculty and book lovers alike packed into the Library's Special Collections Room eagerly awaiting the verdict on the future of the printed book, and the news wasn't promising....

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Robin Anderson

posted 10/29/08 @ 5:19 PM EST

"Robert Jackson...the future of the library is in jeopardy as a result. The Special Collections Room is located on the 10th floor and is used for special presentations."

Yo, Bob! If you only knew, eh?

Given the dearth of preventive maintenance performed on the exterior of the KSU Library! Certain manuscripts are not the only thing deteriorating, if you know what I mean. Ever wonder what a 2-inch by 8-inch by quarter-inch piece of brick face would feel like if it were to spall off and fall 8, 10 or 12 stories and hit you on the head?

Just be carefull where you take your coffee break around the Library, eh?

Oh, and, uh...no stoop-sitting at the entrances of the Williams/Smith/SRL Science Complex until they get rid of the 'protective netting' at the doorways, eh?
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notanignoramus

posted 10/29/08 @ 10:51 PM EST

As a library & information science professional, I believe that our biggest task is not necessarily the preservation of the printed word (which I continue to wholly support) but in educating information seekers about the ways that librarians are involved in creating and maintaining websites - not just those associated with libraries (such as KentLink) but also other places where the information has been evaluated and the architecture/presentation created by librarians. Try doing an obscure keyword search in Amazon.com or Google, trying to find your favorite book for which the title and/or author are forgotten or unknown, and then ask a librarian. Chances are, the librarian will get you farther than your own search!

Robin - that problem is not unique to KSU's library. A much larger piece of concrete cladding (approximately 6 ft. by 10 ft. by 3 in. thick)fell off the facade of Morris Library at University of Delaware in the spring of 1996, while I was a student there. It happened in an area probably 1/2 of the people entering the library passed under on their way in. The cause? Rusted metal bolts that held the cladding.
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Robin Anderson

posted 10/31/08 @ 9:58 AM EST

Originally posted by

notanignoramus

 As a library & information science professional, I believe that our biggest task is not necessarily the preservation of the printed word (which I continue to wholly support) but in educating information seekers about the ways that librarians are involved in creating and maintaining websites - not just those associated with libraries (such as KentLink) but also other places where the information has been evaluated and the architecture/presentation created by librarians. Try doing an obscure keyword search in Amazon.com or Google, trying to find your favorite book for which the title and/or author are forgotten or unknown, and then ask a librarian. Chances are, the librarian will get you farther than your own search!

Robin - that problem is not unique to KSU's library. A much larger piece of concrete cladding (approximately 6 ft. by 10 ft. by 3 in. thick)fell off the facade of Morris Library at University of Delaware in the spring of 1996, while I was a student there. It happened in an area probably 1/2 of the people entering the library passed under on their way in. The cause? Rusted metal bolts that held the cladding.


Aw...but Iggy! That's the beauty of the Internet, it's so fast and adjustible and accomodating that even...oh my gawd! I almost made the 'caveman' comment-ha! Suffice it to say there's a reason why so many intelligent individuals are drawn to your profession.

My comments about the 'acceptable level of deterioration' of the University's building stock is nothing more than a commentary as to the Administration's spending priorities. In 2007 a Groundskeeper mowing around the Library was almost struck by a piece of the spalling stone facade, which was finally enough incentive to institute corrective/remedial action. You may still see all the pieces of concrete facade on the ground around the Williams/Smith/SRL Complex as a direct result of NOT taking remedial action concerning exposed and rusting rebar.

Oscar-Ritchie...Franklin Hall...Engleman Hall...the history of the dearth of preventive building maintenance at KSU because of spending priorities is well documented.
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notanignoramus

posted 11/01/08 @ 5:14 PM EST

Robin,

While I understand your concern, if you had been on campus recently you would have noticed that the library's facade renovation is complete, at least on the Risman Plaza side. However, this article is not about facade renovation; it is about books and library science. You should probably try to remain on topic.
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