Academic libraries and campus computing costs

Abstract

Suggests that many universities and their libraries are not prepared to meet the expanding costs for computing and networking required in today’s technologically‐oriented environment. Southern Methodist University is attempting to do something about this problem. It began with hiring of consultants to help the campus plan for upgrading both administrative and academic computing and equipping the campus for improved electronic communications and networking within and outside the campus. This “re‐engineering” process included development of the mission and principles of computing, compiled with the help of the campus community. Focus groups set priorities and a structure has been put in place to address some of the priority administrative needs of the campus for the immediate future. Part of the process was to identify computing expenditures across the campus over a three year period so that future funding needs could be anticipated. Discusses the campus planning process and places some emphasis on how the process related to central university libraries, its planning process, expenditures, problems to address, and future needs.