UT faculty senate asks for bigger library staff

5/9/2001

In a show of concern over the depletion of faculty in the university's libraries, the University of Toledo faculty senate yesterday called for the hiring of eight library faculty over the next three years.

The recommendation was one of five passed by the senate after hearing a report from a committee formed to investigate the matter.

“I think that the senate at least registered a sense of dismay and urgency,” said Dr. Clarence Lindsay, an associate professor of English who served on the committee.

Library faculty ranks have dwindled to 13, compared with 28 two years ago, as a result of retirements and a hiring freeze, though several searches have been approved.

The faculty senate suggested hiring three librarians in the next fiscal year, followed by three in fiscal year 2003 and two more in fiscal year 2004.

In addition, it pushed for filling vacancies in the automation department and Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections as soon as possible.

Senate members supported facilities improvements within the William S. Carlson Library as well as some increased technology funding, Dr. Andrew Jorgensen, chairman of the faculty senate, said.

The committee's recommendation to the administration to invite Dr. Leslie Sheridan, a retired dean of the library, to become interim dean until a permanent one is installed was rejected by the senate.

A proposal that the interim assistant deans and co-directors of the library, Rajinder Garcha and Dr. Charles Terbille, retain their titles and duties was rejected as well.