Breaking News: Tyranny Strikes UW Libraries as Librarians Speak Up Against the Administration
April 6, 2023 (posted May 5, 2023)
In a shocking turn of events, the University of Washington Libraries has become the center of controversy by dispensing harsh consequences to librarians who challenged the administration's decisions to downgrade the university’s excellent Tateuchi East Asia Library (“TEAL”) and discard tens of thousands of volumes from” Suzzallo-Allen Library’s invaluable collections.
TEAL, which is UW Libraries’ most diverse unit and among its most successful branches, has been hit particularly hard by UW Libraries’ decision to centralize its services. In particular, 75% of its staff was reassigned to other units, and its director was threatened with removal from her position for previously sharing disagreements about TEAL’s reorganization with UW faculty, students, and community stakeholders.
Additionally, several other concerned UW librarians are being accused of damaging the reputation of the University and undermining decisions made by Dean of Libraries Simon Neame because they oppose the policy of shamelessly throwing away thousands of unique and priceless volumes. This is the second year in a row that UW Libraries has disposed of upwards of 30,000 volumes due to a lack of shelving space. With 30,000 volumes already discarded from UW Libraries collections last year, UW librarians fear another 30,000 volumes are on their way to the dumpsters. It comes as no surprise that librarians, as the stewards of carefully cultivated collections, would speak out against any action that would harm the volumes under their care. What is a surprise, however, is UW Libraries’ decision to discard books for lack of space and to punish librarians for advocating against the destruction of these books.
The UW Libraries administration's actions have been described as "tyranny," as they constitute an attempt to stifle dissent and silence those who speak up against the administration's decisions. Comments and pleas from concerned community members are met with formulaic responses from UW Libraries administrators, and as of yet, the community has been deprived of any meaningful forum in which to share concerns and to help guide policy that will undoubtedly impact library patrons.
The librarians involved in this controversy have vowed to persevere in their efforts to safeguard UW Libraries' valuable collections and strength such as the Tateuchi East Asia Library, while advocating for academic freedom. The University administration has yet to comment on the situation. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Questions, please contact: Shiao-Yen WU (Phone: 206-349-1488; email: sywu@wpirealestate.com)
Co-president, Friends of UW Tatuechi East Asia Library
Owner & CEO of WPI Real Estate Services
Overseas Chinese Senior Commissioner of Republic of China
Advisor of World Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce
Senior Commissioner of Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of North America
President of International Leadership Foundation (ILF), Seattle
President of Seattle Kaohsiung Sister City Association
Seattle College Foundation Development Advisory Committee
Board Member of We Care Foundation
Honorary Advisor of World Kwan Tung Community Association of Washington
Advisor of Asia Pacific Cultural Center
Board Member of Seattle Chong Wa Benevolent Association
Honorary Advisor of Washington Overseas Chinese Artists
Advisor of Hop Sing Tong, Seattle
Board Member of Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce