Library staff hopes copy policy saves money, reduces waste
Teaa Hopkins
Issue date: 3/4/09 Section: News
Whether it is books, notes or even homework, copying and printing paper is a big part of a college student's life. While it may seem to be an inexpensive practice it can get very costly and be wasteful, especially for the university's library.
According to Bettye Black, acting director of libraries, last semester students used an average of 12,000 sheets of paper per week, which cost $1808.80.
Black says a copy policy is now in place to better manage the budget that is available for library resources, and to eliminate waste and random copying and printing.
The new policy allows students to receive a free copy card that is available at the front desks of the G. Lamar Harrison Library and M.B. Tolson Black Heritage Center. It is preloaded with 100 copies that can be used to copy from books or any printed material or to make prints from the computer. Once a student has used the 100 copies or prints they must purchase a card that costs $1 and can be loaded with values of $1 to $20. Copies alone are $.05 each.
Black hopes that the policy will make students be more mindful of the paper they use. She said the library would have charged last semester, but some equipment problems prevented the implementation of the policy.
Despite having to pay to print and copy now, some students support the policy.
"I was surprised by the new copy policy, however, I do see the necessity," said Crystal Johnson, a senior education major from Fort Worth, Texas. "Also, as a LU student, I think that we need to upgrade our standards in order to be competitive with elite universities."
Other students have a few more questions about it.
"I knew about the policy but I need a better understanding of where all the fees that we have to pay go. I am a little worried that we are paying more than once for the same services," said Ericka Holman, a junior nursing major from Oklahoma City.
According to Bettye Black, acting director of libraries, last semester students used an average of 12,000 sheets of paper per week, which cost $1808.80.
Black says a copy policy is now in place to better manage the budget that is available for library resources, and to eliminate waste and random copying and printing.
The new policy allows students to receive a free copy card that is available at the front desks of the G. Lamar Harrison Library and M.B. Tolson Black Heritage Center. It is preloaded with 100 copies that can be used to copy from books or any printed material or to make prints from the computer. Once a student has used the 100 copies or prints they must purchase a card that costs $1 and can be loaded with values of $1 to $20. Copies alone are $.05 each.
Black hopes that the policy will make students be more mindful of the paper they use. She said the library would have charged last semester, but some equipment problems prevented the implementation of the policy.
Despite having to pay to print and copy now, some students support the policy.
"I was surprised by the new copy policy, however, I do see the necessity," said Crystal Johnson, a senior education major from Fort Worth, Texas. "Also, as a LU student, I think that we need to upgrade our standards in order to be competitive with elite universities."
Other students have a few more questions about it.
"I knew about the policy but I need a better understanding of where all the fees that we have to pay go. I am a little worried that we are paying more than once for the same services," said Ericka Holman, a junior nursing major from Oklahoma City.
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