UNO's Resolution in Support of LOUIS

UNO University Senate has issued a resolution in support of LOUIS. Below is the full text, and here is the PDF version.

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LOUIS, THE LOUISIANA LIBRARY NETWORK

Unanimously Approved by UNO University Senate February 28, 2011

WHEREAS, LOUIS, the Louisiana Library Network, provides essential information resources and services that contribute to the success of our university and college students and faculty through a consortium of 47 member libraries;

WHEREAS, These essential resources and services include the UNO Library automation system and catalog of the library collections, electronic research databases and full-text journals, remote access to library resources 24/7 through authentication of users, Interlibrary loan and reciprocal borrowing among all member libraries, and the Louisiana Digital Library, as well as centralized servers and an expert support staff;

WHEREAS, LOUIS is essential to the functions of each Louisiana public post-secondary education institution because without it, students would no longer be able to conduct research in order to write the papers required for their courses and faculty would no longer have access to the resources they need to continue to produce quality research in their fields;

WHEREAS, LOUIS purchased over $19 million of resources for member libraries in 2010 for only $3.1 million, representing a huge savings to each campus and to the state;

WHEREAS, In the past, the Board of Regents provided 70% of the funding, with member institutions contributing 30%, a feasible amount for all;

WHEREAS, LOUIS funding is uncertain for 2011, and UNO and other institutions do not have the funds to cover the Board of Regent’s share, especially in the face of current dramatic budget cuts, making library resources and services across the state in peril as of July, 2011;

WHEREAS, Governor Bobby Jindal has repeatedly exhorted institutions of higher education in Louisiana to do “more with less;” and

WHEREAS, LOUIS, the Louisiana Library Network, has been saving the state money by doing more with less since 1992;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the University Senate of the University of New Orleans urges that the Board of Regents restore full funding for LOUIS as an essential resource for students and faculty.

A Member of the Louisiana State University System Committed to Equal Opportunity