Lending Library
The in the works 'Cats Lending Library is a self-service program where First Generation and Low Income(FGLI) students may check out textbooks and regular books for their time in undergrad. Books can be dropped off at
1999 Campus Drive, Suite 3H ATTN: Associated Student Government Evanston, IL 60208.
Purpose
Build upon Books for 'Cats to expand its current resources which only provides books for a limited number of first year classes for FLI students. Developing a self-service Books for 'Cats Lending Library will create a community-sourced alternative to buying books from Barnes and Noble and form a broader support network for campus that expands both the potential classes covered and the student population supported.
Background
Feedback identifies that while The Books for 'Cats program provides an essential support to FGLI students, the financial burden does not end after year one or two. Having founded the program, the AS Academics Committee (ASG AC), recognizes a responsibility to support students throughout their Northwestern career. The Libraries' textbook reserve program was originally funded with the support AS AC's advocacy to the office of the president but has it's own limitations in supporting student need. Both programs are limited by their budgets. Working together find new and creative ways to help support its expansion. Creating a library of donated books would decrease administrative costs, expand support and foster a community among Northwestern students - FGLI and beyond - who may not otherwise deem it necessary to reach out to NU Libraries, SES, or Provost offices.
Proposal
Creating the Lending Library is (1) great for the environment (2) cost-effective for the university (3) expansive of the number of resources available for students in their third and fourth years without necessarily expanding the budget, and (4) fostering community. Northwestern's Libraries are a natural home to pilot this program. In addition to its hours of access, students from across all disciplines and majors come together and find comfort, support, and community in library spaces. FLI and BIPOC community in particular feel seen and supported in the Libraries, giving the Lending Library greater visibility and access to this community.
Pilot Process
ASG AC will collect donated textbooks from Northwestern University undergraduate students to be housed in a Books for 'Cats Donation Library located in one of the Libraries. The collection will be simply organized and cataloged by AS AC to track titles collected. The committee will check on the collection weekly to ensure that the textbooks are properly looked after and monitored. Signage on the collection will be provided by the Libraries. ASG AC will review titles quarterly to identify texts that will are no longer being used. Obsolete titles can be donated along with the libraries withdrawn books.