Blunt proposes cuts
MU's library would have to spend an additional $119,691 because of the cut.
Published April 1, 2005
The director of MU Libraries attacked Gov. Matt Blunt's plan to cut an online state libraries system, calling it irresponsible.
MU's library would have to spend an additional $119,691 if Blunt's plans to eliminate the state subsidy for a library systems program are approved.
MU's library already spends $272,305 on the MOBIUS Common Platform System, a consortium of 60 colleges and universities and two public libraries in Missouri.
The consortium creates a computer system for students to find materials in other Missouri libraries, MOBIUS Executive Director George Rickerson said. All of the public and two- and four-year colleges in Missouri are members of MOBIUS, as are two public libraries.
"There is significant interest for additional public libraries participating, but if the cuts are implemented, those plans will definitely be on hold," Rickerson said.
During the past five years, the state has subsidized 25 percent of the ongoing cost for MOBIUS, which is $649,350, MU Libraries Director Jim Cogswell said.
All the libraries contribute different amounts, based on their size, toward the more than $1.5 million needed to run the system.
"We don't have that type of money to spend in the libraries budget to make up for the proposed cuts, and I'm sure the university will not be thrilled," Cogswell said. "There are problems already with increasing tuition and trying to cut costs."
Blunt spokeswoman Jessica Robinson said the governor is trying to balance the budget and spread the budget reductions across the board.
"Because of past poor spending decisions, the state has more programs and expenses than income by $601 million, so there had to be adjustments," Robinson said. "We are honoring the commitment to increase spending to public schools and not increasing taxes for workers."
Robinson said MOBIUS' expansion to other public libraries would not be deterred because the governor has recommended putting $450,000 of the funds collected through Missouri's nonresident sports and entertainment tax in the Library Networking Fund.
MOBIUS is trying to prevent the cuts by keeping participating schools informed and asking them to discuss the issue with their state legislators, Rickerson said.
"The larger question is what are the public goods that should be funded by the state," Cogswell said. "Frankly, the governor and legislature will end up cutting MOBIUS because they are unwilling to take the more responsible position to raise taxes to support public programs."
Additionally, Cogswell said he worries members will not be able to pay the increase and have to withdraw from the system, which would eliminate access to their libraries for all other schools.
"There are so many commitments to continue Medicaid and other social programs, and I think Blunt believes the program is a good candidate for cuts because there will not be a lot of opposition, and he is probably right," Cogswell said. "I'm just worried about the long-term effects this cut will have on Missouri's libraries."