With almost two-thirds of UNC Libraries employees making less than $30,000 a year, extra revenue from tuition hikes and a historic fundraising campaign could provide some relief.
At the University’s Administrative Board of the Library meeting Friday, members discussed the need for salary raises, especially for non-faculty employees who have endured a three-year pay freeze.
“Don’t think that’s to be unusually money-grubbing,” said University librarian Sarah Michalak.
But librarians are constantly facing a wide array of challenges due to budget cuts, including a lack of space and expenses surrounding digitizing records.
Administrators explored ways to get creative to raise funds in a struggling economy.
“In the past, 90 percent of dollars came from 10 percent of donors, but when you do $6 billion campaigns, that doesn’t work anymore,” said Peggy Myers, director of library development, referencing the University’s upcoming fundraising campaign.
Board members discussed how the library will be affected by private donations going forward.
“It is the bane of being successful at raising private money. The (state) will say, ‘You don’t need us,’” said board member David Stotts, a computer science professor.
Myers emphasized outreach and non-monetary donations as a way to keep collections robust while saving money.
