Montana State University Seeks $7.5 Million
for Crucial Improvements
Montana State University is seeking $7.5 million from the state legislature to make much-needed improvements in its aging Renne Library, including correction of safety problems that have led to a lawsuit against the school.
Dean of Libraries Bruce Morton said most of the funds would go towards safety improvements ranging from a sprinkler and fire alarm to a security system.
The library's safety defects led to a child falling through a railing in October 1995, prompting a lawsuit that Morton expects will finally come to trial in April. Following the accident, the gap in the railing was filled with chicken wire for two years before tempered glass was finally installed last fall.
To plead his case, Morton led six state legislators on a tour of the facility January 6. Pointing out that the library and its contents have the highest insured value of any state-owned building—over $80 million—Morton told the delegation the funding request was a means of protecting the state's investment.
Posted January 18, 1999.
|
