The Media Center, more commonly known as the library, is an underused resource at St. Mary's. I believe this deficit in library usage has several contributing factors.

One factor is the opportunity to go to the Media Center for enjoyment. There are few study halls or other times when students have time to use the library. Also, the library is closed during the majority of the afternoon, when several study halls are held. Most of the time when students go to the library, they do so out of necessity. Many only check out materials from the library for book reports, term papers, or other assignments.

Another reason of for the dearth in library patronage is the inadequate number of interesting books. Many of the books currently in the library are old (although many of these were weeded out last year). The other books are limited in subject matter. Most reading for enjoyment comes from newspapers and magazines. However, these periodicals are not nearly as exciting as a good book.

In addition, many students hold a general lack of interest in reading and a belief that reading is boring and unnecessary. Many adults contribute to this attitude by failing to encourage reading. Some adults even foster the belief that reading books is an undesirable chore. Also, requiring students to read a certain number of books provides students with a negative image of reading because they are forced to do it.

There are many other contributing causes of the limited circulation of library materials. However, the purpose of the article is not to detail the reasons for this lack of library use. Rather, it is to offer solutions to this dilemma.

The library needs to become more accessible throughout the day. This can be achieved by having a full-time librarian with no extra teaching duties (except library usage, held in the library) so that the Media Center could be open at all times. Another solution to this problem would be to hire a part-time librarian to work in the afternoon or to ask for a volunteer or FTA member to help at that time. In the past many volunteers have helped the regular librarian in her duties.

In regard to the inadequate amount of interesting reading material, there are also several remedies. First, students could be asked to contribute any books that they are no longer using that they feel other students may wish to read. Second, the librarian should ask students what types of books they want to read and should purchase more of those kinds.

In regard to students' attitude toward reading, many things can be done. Teachers and other adults can work more to encourage an active interest in reading. Another way to decrease the drudgery that students expect of reading is to reward students for reading books that are not required. Teachers could take not of students who seem to not care for reading and help them learn to find enjoyment in books.

It is a shame that such a valuable resource is not being used to its fullest extent. Perhaps in the future this situation can be improved.

Frances Shefl