State to announce plan to shift library collection

Historians, academics and others oppose Bush's cost-cutting plan to disperse the collection.

By STEVE BOUSQUET, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 25, 2003

TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Jeb Bush's administration will try to defuse a simmering controversy today by announcing a plan to shift part of the huge state library collection from the state archives in the capital to Broward County's Nova Southeastern University.

But the Florida Library Association immediately declared its opposition to the idea and said it was worried that the collection would "wither away" if it were dispersed to other areas.

Lt. Gov. Frank Brogan has called a news conference this morning to discuss the library's future, and Nova is expected to have representatives on hand. The plan to be announced today is a first step. The Legislature, which will open its annual session a week from today, must decide the library's fate, subject to Bush's approval or veto.

The plan to move the library's special collection of government research books and documents is part of a planned reorganization of the Department of State, which is now under the control of Bush.

In his budget, Bush proposed saving $3-million by eliminating 41 jobs and shifting the library to Florida State University, but FSU president T.K. Wetherell said he did not want the library unless the state provided operating money.

All affected employees have been told in writing that they face the loss of their jobs.

According to the Florida Library Association, the special collection has 326,000 books, most of which focus on state government or library and information studies.

It also has 6,200 periodicals, 207,000 federal documents and extensive microfilms and videos. The collection is in the R.A. Gray Building near the state Capitol and is open to the public.

For weeks, historians, academics and others have mobilized in opposition to any change in the status of the collection. Through Monday, more than 11,000 people had signed the Florida Historical Society's online petition, calling Bush's budget proposal "a severe blow to all historical and cultural activities in the state of Florida."

Hundreds more sent angry e-mails to Bush and legislators. Ted VanItallie, president of the Florida Historical Society, has called Bush's proposal "an abomination" and an "unwarranted attack on this fine institution."

Dr. James Holton, editor of the Polk County Historical Quarterly, wrote to House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, warning that Bush's reorganization plan would undermine historical research.

"I am horrified at having to tell my students how little the chief executive cares about Florida history," wrote Holton, a professor at Warner Southern College in Polk County, emphasizing that his views were his own, and not the school's. Holton accused Bush of holding the library "hostage" in retaliation against voters who approved Amendment 9, the costly initiative requiring smaller classes. Bush has said his recommended budget cuts were unavoidable because of the costs of the amendment.

Nova president Ray Ferrero Jr. has said he wants the collection and has had discussions with top state officials. Judith Ring, the state librarian, has said the circulating collection "should be relocated to a library or libraries where it will be more accessible and better utilized."

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