Librarian of the College and Head of the Library Committee Sherre Harrington addressed the senate about future plans for Frost stated in the Library's Vision Statement. "We're trying to look forward, into the future, to see what our library will look like in 10 to 25 years," she said.
The discussion ranged from specific changes within the library itself to either adding to or reconstruct the building. Senators also debated the future of computers, printing and digitalization as well as the role that the library plays in students' lives.
Other issues that were discussed included library hours. Senator Patrick Benson '08 strongly stated that the library should always be open.
Senator Emily Silberstein '06 inquired if space in the library could be reserved for seniors who are writing theses. Silberstein commented on the difficulties for seniors to work on their papers without private space.
The discussion finished with Harrington stating that although much is envisioned for the future, changes are already being made. According to Harrington, the electronic catalog is being redone jointly by the Five Colleges for $3 million by "Ex Libris," a "complex yet flexible" company used by MIT. Beginning next fall, a newly integrated Five College catalog will hopefully be up and running.
Articulating his vision of what the library could become, Senator Paul Nielson '09 described a library that would be similar to a mall with sections for each subject. "Instead of a Macy's, there would be the math section, then the arts section," he said.
The senate thanked Harrington for her report. Many also agreed to attend a school-wide meeting on the library's future scheduled for Dec. 3.
After a brief announcement regarding the availability of free shuttles to Bradley International Airport this weekend, discussion moved to the BC recommendations.
Debate centered around a request made by six a cappella groups for $3,000 to purchase a used piano for James Hall or Stearns Hall practice rooms. A number of students representing the a cappella groups attended the meeting to show their support. They made the case that due to the lack of both space and of quality pianos, a cappella groups as well as other students are currently unable to practice regularly.
Senator Josh Stein '08 sympathized with the groups, but reflected on the context of this purchase in the wider scheme of AAS purchases. "When do we say that we cannot allow the administration to force the students to subsidize large capital expenditures?" he asked.
Although Benson did not echo Stein's reservations about purchasing the piano, he wondered if there was an alternate source for money. He stated that although he would vote to approve the allocation of money, he felt that this type of funding should come from the College. "We should force the administration to pay for this piano," he said.
The Zumbyes' front man Pat Savage '07 noted that they had approached the administration before coming to the senate and had been given funding. However, Savage said that the money was not sufficient. He stated that although the a cappella groups are not formally part of the College, they still participate in numerous important social functions. "[We] feel used by the administration," he said.
BC recommendations were eventually approved and the a cappella groups received $3,000 in funding.
Discussion then shifted to special orders, where Senator Tim Zeiser '07 briefly brought up student parking problems near the tennis courts. The subject was tabled temporarily.
Senator Jordan McKay '07 then brought up the idea of providing free boxes at the end of the year to help students move out of their dorms. Boxes were previously handed out at the end of the 2003-04 school year. Approved by the majority of senators, the project received strong initial support.
The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of the Pre-Business Group (PBG) Resolution co-authored by Stein and Senator Avi Das '07. The resolution states that although the AAS will fund PBG for the 2006 Interterm. In the future, PBG will have to obtain funds from the administration.