Library needs improvement

Jason Peabody, 2012

It has come to my attention, over my time here at MCLA, that the Freel Library is in a rather poor situation. And I mean this quite literally. The library is in sad, sad shape. The selection of books is limited, and most of what does exist is outdated. If the library were to receive more financial attention from the school, they could afford to offer a constant supply of coffee (a small Kurig coffee maker and a small selection of coffee is already offered) and snacks; replenish the outdated and limited selection of books; refurbish the inside of the building, as well as provide more staffing in order to extend the hours of which the library is open.

In my opinion, as well as the opinion of many others that I have spoken with ranging from students to faculty and staff, the library has been financially neglected for years as the administration of the College only continues to shrink its budget.

And yes, I am complaining about the condition and situation of the library, but I do have suggestions for the direction of funding for the Freel Library. If Freel were to receive money for renovations, they could easily solve the over-crowded issue by installing certain types of study desks specifically designed for college libraries. At Williams College’s library, which I do visit during finals week because of these accommodations, they have double bunked desks similar to that of what a bunk-bed is.

They are efficient for libraries with tall ceilings and limited floor space, both of which are present in Freel. They are efficient and will look contemporary and fresh in a building that is as old, if not older, than the books on its shelves.


And as for the outdated selections of books, what if each department of study here (English Comm., Environmental Studies, F.P.A., Biology, Psychology, Arts Management, History, etc.) compiled a list of 100 books each year for three years and the school funded the obtaining of these books? It’s a long-term plan and it can be shaped into being cost efficient. This is necessary.

Thank you all for your time and consideration to read this. I hope that the right people will give this idea the same attention.

Sincerely,
Jason Peabody, 2012

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