Thursdty. Jan. 28, 1988
Volume 42, Nambu 7
Fate of library rests with Legisl.ature by Shelly Raynor and Celeste Tritz
Original plans. in an dfort to expand the college's library, may be set aside today when President Robcr1 Bennett speaks to the Legislature. While Bennett said he will focus first on obtaining S4.I million in a 1nrce-year period through a fee replacement policy, he admiucd that ii is highly doubt· ful the entire sum will be granted, forcing him 10 seek recourse and ask for SS00,000 for alternative projects. With five other educational systems ranked above North Idaho College in need of funding, the Finan-
cial Appropriations Committee (FAQ may be reluc· tant in allotting S4. I million. Theo, Bennett said. he would ask for a reduced amount of money focused on parameters of t.hc campus ct.her Lhan the libraf) . His priority, though, is centered around the library, according 10 Beoneu. "I'm presenting them with a cone~! rather than asking for a specific amount of money," he said. The fee replacement policy operates similarly to a loan in that the college would pay back two-thirds of the total funds allotted. Increased tuition costs would
?wnhotaJCi.m,u1Mt1 photo
Library changes uncertain-- Pres1dent Robert Bennett will speak to the state legislature today about obtaining funds to renovate the KIidow Memorial Library.
Music maker markets instruments internationally page 7
New name necessary for house with history page 6
compe11S11te for some of the debt. Benncu added. The Legislature docsn 't have enough money 10 take care of all of the colleges in need of funding, according to Benneu. so he's suggesting the committcc adopt the fee replacement policy to make room for a few instirutions instead of just one. If denied. Bennen has plans for alternative projects. ''I think we have an option if Lhey won't go (for the) fee replacement this year or e,•en give us enough to get staned." Bennell said. The college may have 10 backtrack and request only a ponion of the proposed dollars. allowing the computer science center to be restructured. nC"Cording to Benneu. While the library is the main priority in terms of c~pansion and updating for the college, the computer center is second in line, Bcnnc11 said. Assuming the SS00,000 was gramed to NIC. rcmnovation of the computer center would depend on sc,eral fac1ors. according 10 Rolly Jurgens. dean of admmistr11tion. First of all, Lhc Department of Public Waters would h3ve to scll 1he Armory (located on the comer of 7th and Walnut Streets) 10 the college. If 1his happened, Jurgens said, NIC \\Ould probably pay SI. Then, SS0,000 of the SS00.000 grant would be used 10 rcno,,ite the Armory, which would house programs such a~ carpentry, marine technology and HVAC (heating. \'Cntilation and air conditioning). along with the 1ransport111ion department. The maintenance department, currently located in the Mechanical-Arts Building next 10 1hc computer center, \\Ould then move 10 the building on the north end of the cDmpus currently occupied by transport.lllon. This. in effect. would allow Lhe computer center 10 expand throughout the M-A Building. These 3!e not hard facts yet, Jurgens said. "We have only discussed such options," he added. Despite &nnen's efforts, Board of Trustee member Jacl: Beebe is skeptical about the alternative project. If granted the SS00,000. the Legislature might write off additionaJ funding toward the library, Beebe said. "I cautioned him about this in the trustee meeting," be srud. "If the Legislature can get us off of their hooks-and I know the Legislarure well enough-they w1U This is why I told Bennett 10 use this only as a lut resort. "The library u the first and foremost need of this college. We need 10 be sure and keep moving in a forward d.trcctlon " Jurgens »id be suppom anything Bennneu docs. " He's my bou; I work for him," Jurgens added.
Presiden t Bennett: a year in review page 10