From The Columbia Daily Tribune:
University of Missouri faculty, staff and administrators gathered in Ellis Library on Friday to recognize the library — just as faculty, staff and administrators did 100 years ago.Rabia Gregory, associate professor of religious studies and chairwoman of MU’s library committee, said the library is critical for the work of many people on campus.
“It is not simply a lab for the humanities or a quiet study space in a historic building filled with books,” Gregory said. “The library provides services essential for all research and teaching.”
As part of a yearlong celebration, MU officials hosted a rededication ceremony in the library’s Grand Reading Room on Friday afternoon. January marks the 100th anniversary of the library’s dedication.
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The library system is in a dire budget situation after decades of limited funding, Gregory said.
“Our librarians have gone too long without raises, positions vacant by retirement remain unfilled” and “collections and preservation budgets cannot meet the needs of our growing community,” Gregory said.
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