John B. Cade Library upgrades with new computers, security system

New computers along with a new security system were purchased thanks to a half million dollars in grants donated to Southern University’s John B. Cade Library.
“Our library has progressed from eight computers in 1992 to well over 200 computers in 2002,” said Dean of Libraries Emma Bradford Perry.
According to Perry, the grants have come from various benefactors over a span of nine years.
“The library’s computers now have a competent database, which is now more accessible for research,” said Perry.
The computers provide the latest versions of word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheet applications software. Perry mentioned that Internet access is available to faculty and staff and all students are offered e-mail addresses.
Perry stated the library uses the Louisiana Online University Information System (LOUIS) for circulation, reserve, on-line cataloging and acquisitions.
Due to an improperly functioning security system, a new security system has also been added to the library. The new system sounds an alarm if books and other library materials are not properly checked out or desensitized. The alarm system protects the one million-volume facility that subscribes to over 1,900 journals.
The library also displays new books in the first floor lobby area before being cataloged and filed.
“This allows students to become aware of new books and it gives them opportunity to look them over,” said Perry.
Perry stated that the library also carries a diverse collection of albums and videotapes from current releases to those dating back many years. These may be utilized for class presentations.
Perry was asked about the worn condition of the library’s furniture. She said the library currently utilizes the original furniture installed since the building’s first opening in 1984.
“We are in desperate need of new furniture,” said Perry. “I have put in requests to the new physical plant.”
When referring to the new reduced library hours, which are now 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on Saturday and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Perry mentioned that there is no money available to keep the longer hours. She said that although the students pay applicable service fees, the library does not receive any of these fees.
According to Perry, computers and staffing are available on a 24-hour basis in T.T. Allain Hall. She said she hopes the library will go back to its old schedule in the fall.
The dean exclaimed she wanted all of Southern University to know that service to the students is important and the library operates on an open door policy.