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In his effort to save the printed books, journals and periodicals in the library, Bruce Emerton, tenured librarian, has alienated the library administration, his colleagues and the CSU's Office of the Chancellor.
In a letter dated Feb. 16, Marlene B. Jones, university counsel from the CSU Office of the Chancellor, warned Emerton to "cease and desist" use of the school name or they will be forced to take legal action against him.
"Subpart of section 89005.5 states that any person who uses a California State University name in violation section 89005.5 is guilty of a misdemeanor," wrote Jones.
Since he received the letter, Emerton said he has taken down the Web site because he didn't want to have charges filed against him.
He plans to put up another Web site possibly called saveourbooks.com, or something similar.
In the midst of the situation, Emerton said his colleagues have left his side even though he has worked with some of them for 20 years. However, Emerton said he has received the support of the students.
"[My colleagues] are afraid to be seen anywhere around me," said Emerton.
Library Dean Harold Schleifer said he has no knowledge of the letter and referred to Pablo Arreola, associate vice president of Faculty Affairs. Arreola didn't respond to phone calls made to his office.
Emerton has spent hundreds of dollars of his own money to make 2,000 cards to pass out to students, put up the Web site and make a banner that said "save our books," which he can't use because it has the school's name on it.
Emerton has talked to the American Civil Liberties Union regarding his first amendment rights. The organization is considering his case because he had to shut down his Web site and because of the police questioning regarding his intentions and activities with the cards he was passing out, said Emerton.
He has also sought the help of the California Faculty Association to file a grievance with the university.
"We are ready to represent him, but it's in his hands," said Gwendolyn Urey, chapter president of CFA.
Some students support his efforts of saving the books.
"It would be more valuable to keep them in [the library]," said Andrew Wilson, a first-year microbiology student. "It's good he's standing up for that."
Other students understand the school's drive to conserve space and provide information digitally.
"If you don't read it, then what's the point of keeping it around," said Chris Ngo, a first-year aerospace engineering student. "It's a waste of space."
The school has already discarded nearly 30,000 books, journals and serials and 7,000 titles in preparation for the renovation project, according to Schleifer.
The discarded books were chosen if they hadn't been checked out for 10 years or more, according to Emerton.
Three years ago 300,000 books were stored in boxes in preparation for the renovation because they hadn't been checked out for more than five years. Emerton fears these books might also be discarded because they're close to the 10-year mark. The A and Z category books that are general works have also been put in storage, said Emerton.
Emerton believes the school wants to throw away the books and borrow them when needed by students and faculty.
"[We will be] going from information we own to information we rent," said Emerton.
He believes students are misguided in thinking that everything is online.
"They think (the) Internet has everything and it doesn't," said Emerton.
He believes an addition of the café, as well as part of the renovation, will be in expense of the books. His goal is to see the books back on the shelves.
"Getting people to the library is good, but the library has to make things viable," said Emerton.
Some students agree print is better because it's harder to get access to the material on the library's Web site from home.
"With the computer it's easier," said Wayne Hsiang, a second-year computer-engineering student. "But with the library, you can take documents home. I still say books are better."
Yalda Sadiq can be reached by e-mail at news@thepolypost.com or by phone at (909) 869-3747.
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