JessamynFeb 14, 2023
The Vermont State University has a remarkably short-sighted money saving plan to go "all digital" with their libraries. This is a terrible idea. Once announced, they've been back-tracking, changing their website to make this seem more palatable. The Vermont Library Association released a statement yesterday. It's not quite enough "Fuck this dumb idea!!" for my tastes but it's pretty strong https://www.vermontlibraries.org/vla-statement-regarding-vtsu-library-closures
VLA statement regarding VTSU library closures | Vermont Library Association

Show threadJessamynFeb 14, 2023

And let's look specifically on what this VTSU FAQ page looked like before and after the blowback.

Before (thanks Internet Archive): https://web.archive.org/web/20230208233740/https://transformation.vsc.edu/announcing-changes-to-vermont-state-university-athletics-and-libraries/
After: https://transformation.vsc.edu/announcing-changes-to-vermont-state-university-athletics-and-libraries/

Announcing Changes to Vermont State University Athletics and Libraries – VSCS Transformation

Show threadLis CareyFeb 14, 2023
@jessamyn Am I misreading, or did they actually not talk to librarians before deciding on this all-digital insanity?
Show threadJessamyn
@LisCarey I'm not certain. To my read it sounds like librarians were informed-not-asked about this and, surprise surprise, there are going to be union issues along with all the other ones.
Feb 14, 2023 at 5:54pmWeb
Show threadLis CareyFeb 14, 2023
@jessamyn I do hope they have a strong union. Sounds to me like VSU admin thinks librarians are clerical help, not professionals with knowledge and experience in how this whole "useful academic library" thing works.