On my first day of classes at Hopkins, I came to the library hoping to enjoy the newspaper as I do at home (leisurely, with a printed version). But when I saw the two racks that house the newspaper supply at Hopkins, I realized that to leisurely enjoy The New York Times was to monopolize its one copy.
I was surprised, to say the least, that in the library a total of nine newspapers were available to an undergraduate student body of over 4,700. Nine newspapers, only five of which are daily publications, are insufficient to fully satisfy such a large number of intelligent and curious people. Apparently there are also about four newspapers in Levering, but, to me, that hardly improves the absurdly small ratio of newspapers to students.
On my first try to increase the availability of newspapers on campus (more specifically in the library and in the two primary dining halls, Nolan's and the FFC) an administrator told me that the budget was too small to allow it. I find that somewhat hard to believe that an institution with a multibillion dollar endowment can;t afford however many subscriptions to a daily newspaper.
I'm not entirely sure which budget covers the newspapers (I've asked, but to no avail.) Again, though, I find it hard to believe that more money can't be appropriated to that budget from the $2.23 billion endowment. Though I don't really know the specifics about the Hopkins endowment, I've made a few observations around campus that have led me to believe that room can be made for more newspapers.
For example, since my arrival on campus three weeks ago, I've received three different string backpacks, two different water bottles and a plethora of T-shirts, all of which have been Hopkins themed. While I appreciate them, such an abundance of free products is unnecessary, and perhaps some money from the Hopkins string backpack fund should be allocated to the newspaper budget.
So, why is the newspaper so important? There are the trite (but valid, I think) reasons, including that the dissemination of news is necessary for an informed society, and making uninformed decisions undermines the purpose of democracy.
Also, the newspaper is relevant to each of us, as there's something in it for everybody. The New York Times, for example, covers all sorts of topics, with entire sections devoted to politics, business, technology, sports, science, health, arts, style and more. As part of an institution that is on the cusp of the newest developments in so many fields, we too should take the initiative to be informed on the latest happenings of what interests us.
Other students have asked me why I can't read the newspaper online. I can, and I do (I don't have many other options here.) But online newspapers are only for those who seek them out. I think that its physical presence will inspire those who might not seek out an online news source to read the newspaper. Seeing someone reading the newspaper will encourage discussion, conversation and debate among peers. Such discussion will encourage others to read, thereby contributing to a more enlightened student body and perpetuating something truly good.
I suggest that the administration consider increasing the number of available newspapers at least on a trial basis. If they see that it inspires something positive, then it should be continued. If it turns out to be of no interest to the student body, then it shouldn't be. Newspapers (at least the good ones) publish the truth. And if the truth really will set us free, this campus has the right to it.
