Cuesta College LIBT program ‘substantially intact’

A message from Mark Stengel, director of library/learning resources for Cuesta College, indicates that its Library/Information Technology (LIBT) degree and certificate remain “substantially intact.”

Stengal indicated that as part of a college-wide cost-cutting measure, the LIBT program had to “eliminate actual courses” that affect its Web Development Technologies certificate: LIBT 102, Introduction to Web Development Technologies; LIBT 106, Introduction to the Internet; and LIBT 116, Multimedia for the Web.

I am relieved to learn that my study objective remains intact. But these program cuts are another indictment of California underfunding its schools.

During the time I have been in this program, per-unit tuition has nearly doubled in the California Community College system. The cost of pursuing an MLIS is entirely out of my reach.

The imbalance must be addressed, the cutting of classes and programs must cease, or California will reap the consequences of failing to invest in an educated workforce.

Stengal stated, “We are grateful to our friends in regional school, public, and academic libraries who rallied in support of what we do, and to our Advisory Committees who continue to guide our decision making. And, of course, to our students, who also sent many letters of support.”