The Facts:  University administration is contemplating whether to shift its resources from D.H. Hill Library to James B. Hunt Jr . Library and create a new primary Library for students.

Our Opinion:  The wide accessibility of D.H. Hill Library is the reason it is such a successful facility currently. Administration would be wise to adapt the current facility while it is unveiling another.

The coming of the new high-tech James B. Hunt Jr . Library has increased the need for student input about whether the University’s resources should be maintained to keep D.H. Hill Library as the flagship library for campus or shift to the new library. 

Susan Nutter , vice provost and director of Libraries, spoke to student leaders at last Wednesday’s President’s Roundtable and asked for direct student input as to which library should be open around the clock.

As obvious as it may seem, D.H. Hill is the campus favorite and should be maintained as the primary library of N.C. State. Its central location to main campus and close proximity on most residence halls makes it an easy, accessible resource for students. However, the technological funds the University is investing in the new library should spill over into the old facility.

While Hunt Library will be a resource for engineering majors from all disciplines who frequent Centennial Campus, the library will be open to the public during normal business hours and then to students only after normal hours, much like D.H. Hill.

Hunt Library will act more as a social and educational center for students, due to its lack of open stacks-mainly because they will be stored and retrieved for students. 

The new library will be able to seat 10 percent of its patrons, double the amount D.H. Hill can handle. This should be an indicator of some possible modifications for D.H. Hill so it can accommodate more seating for students. 

With Centennial developing more and more, the appearance student housing near the new library will be up in no time.

 While some students may be living close to this new building, the majority of students will be near D.H. Hill. The issues of limited parking and transportation are contributing factors as to why Hunt Library is an insufficient facility for a primary library.

Along with safety issues, which could arise from potential students in transit to the new library, it is only logical to maintain and enhance D.H. Hill Library as the predominant facility for students.