UNC Libraries receive additional funding

UNC Libraries officials have high expectations for the coming year.

Members of the Administrative Board of the Library met Monday for the first time this fall to discuss their plans for the year.

Catherine Gerdes, assistant University librarian for financial planning and administrative services, presented an optimistic report on the library budgets.

“This is the first year we got to plan anything without having to mention the phrase ‘budget cut,’” Gerdes said.

In the 2012-13 budget, there is $242,880 of new unallocated funds for UNC Libraries from the provost’s office, Gerdes said.

Gerdes said this is the first time in a while that UNC libraries has had additional funding to use as they see fit.

Carol Hunter, associate University librarian for collections and services, said the libraries’ growth in access has been strong despite its tight budget.

“We are good stewards of our money,” Hunter said.

At the start of the meeting, Fitz Brundage, a history professor, was elected as the new chairman of the board.

“It’s a real privilege to work with this library,” Brundage said.

During the meeting, several board members expressed concern about the UNC Libraries’ fall from 14th to 19th in the Association of Research Libraries rankings for the 2010-11 year.

The decline in rankings was due to the North Carolina economy’s delayed impact on the University budget, said Judy Panitch, director of library communications.

Other universities’ library rankings felt the impact earlier with the decline of their states’ respective economies in recent years, she said.

But Panitch said she expects the UNC Libraries’ rank will recover quickly as the economy bounces back.

In her closing remarks, Sarah Michalak, associate provost and University librarian, said it is essential for UNC’s next provost to support UNC Libraries.

Michalak’s remarks came on the heels of Provost Bruce Carney’s decision to step down in August.

Michalak said she urges board members to be vigilant during the provost search.

“We all know our top administration is changing,” Michalak said.

“It’s just a time for all of us to keep our eyes and ears open.”

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