In Zimmerman Library, every copy of the Gabriel Garc°a Marquez novel One Hundred Years of Solitude is worn and tattered.
"This is a problem," said Mina Grothey, who selects and buys the library's literary books from Spain, Portugal and Latin America.
"Do I spend money on new works or replace old ones that are wearing out?" she said.
Curator Russ Davidson said he provides Grothey with $30,000 to $35,000 for literature purchase, and it should be upwards of $40,000 ideally.
In the past year, UNM readers checked out 5,600 literary books by and about authors from Spain, Portugal and Latin America. Since 1992, UNM readers have checked out 1,293 books by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and 1,187 by Garc°a Marquez, the two most popular regional authors among Zimmerman readers.
According to the Library's Web site, Grothey purchased about 2,000 new books of Iberian and Latin American literature in the past year. But those who use these books the most say Grothey is challenged to keep up with demand.
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"Mina is very accessible, and the librarians are always cooperative when we ask them for new books, but 2,000 is not very many for us in literature," said Tey Diana Rebolledo, Spanish and Portuguese Department chair. "In the last few years, they've not kept up with the latest books and journals the way they did in their heyday."
Students in the department agree.
"It's a wonderful selection," Theo Walker said. "But the recent stuff often is not there."
UNM student Jose Francisco said it is an overall good selection, but when he follows the trajectory of a writer over 15 years, he often can't find the recent texts.
"They need to do much better in going after the new editions," he said.
Grothey said although the librarians work hard to maintain the collection, the budget is too low and the portion for books is decreasing
Mike Webber
