UA resolution calls for library funding

The UA said renovations to the Rosengarten Reserve are the body's top priority. The Undergraduate Assembly passed its first resolution of the semester Sunday night, proclaiming that obtaining an increase in funding for Rosengarten Reserve renovations in Van Pelt Library is the student government body's "first priority." With 18 of the UA's 33 members present for the vote, the group met its quorum requirement by only one person. Everyone present voted in favor of the proposal, amidst some controversy about its wording. Two UA members -- College junior Mike Silver and College sophomore Andrew Mandelbaum -- felt that the renovations should simply be marked as one of the UA's top priorities. Although UA Vice Chairperson and College sophomore Michael Bassik acknowledged that the Rosengarten renovations may not be the No. 1 issue on students' minds, he said the UA chose for its top goal "something tangible and realistic." And UA Treasurer Jonathan Glick, a Wharton sophomore, said, "This is the UA's No. 1 priority because it affects every student at the University.? Every student [at] some time in their college career uses the library." The $2 million renovation plans for Rosengarten Reserve, announced earlier this month, include six new soundproof study rooms, a cybercafe and new computers, carpeting and furniture. Only half of the necessary funding has been raised thus far and officials have not set a timetable for when construction could begin. Noting in its resolution that none of the University's operating budget will be used to fund library renovations, the UA challenged the University to make obtaining funds for the renovations a top priority. On a long-term basis, the UA resolution called for the University to "raise contributions specifically for future renovations and advancements of the entire library system." "The school gives the library zero for renovations," Bassik said. Claiming that there is a lack of safe late-night study space, the UA resolved that the University should support plans to increase late-night study space and ensure that the newly-renovated Rosengarten will include "more seats, a lounge, study rooms, Ethernet connections and a cybercafe." The resolution also urges the University to modernize the library's restroom facilities. The UA would like these renovations to occur this summer, citing the fact that Rosengarten has not undergone a major renovation since the construction of Van Pelt Library. Support for the proposal at Sunday's meeting was widespread. "I love Rosengarten," said Mandelbaum. "Two of the three times I've been to the library, it's been to [study in] Rosengarten." When asked about response from the Penn officials, Glick said officials were starting to look into the matter. "If the University comes to us next week and says 'your wish is granted,' then we won't have to do anything further," Glick said. "But that's a slim chance. We may have to use additional measures [to bring this to the University's attention]." Bassik added that Vice Provost and Director of Libraries Paul Mosher supported the UA's resolution. Mosher was unavailable for comment yesterday. UA member Keri Hyde, a Nursing junior, said students "seemed interested" in the resolution and responded positively. Hyde estimated that the UA distributed approximately 50 copies of the resolution at the UA outreach table on Monday and will continue to do so today. The proposal is the third of its kind passed by the UA this year. Last semester, the group passed two resolutions calling for improved safety and better security on campus following the November attack of a female student in a basement bathroom of Steinberg-Dietrich Hall. Copies of the UA's recent resolution will continue to be available at the UA outreach table, located on Locust Walk every Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.