I was interested to read about a proposal on the table at UIUC to merge five area studies libraries into one.  I have known for  quite some time now that senior library management has been working on plans for what they have called “new service models” but I didn’t know anything specific before hearing this.  Honestly I think this possible move makes sense.  I worked for almost 1 1/2 years for one of the affected libraries, the Latin American and Caribbean Library while in library school.  Drastic things need to happen at UIUC if they are to “right the ship” — things that probably should have been done years ago.

As an aside, I was horrified to read about the serious mold outbreak in UIUC’s special collections.  It doesn’t reflect very well on the management of that nearly pricelesss collection.  I’ve used and handled many of the items there that are most notable, such as many of their incanabula and pages of the Gutenberg Bible.