The future of academic libraries and the ways they serve their clients and sustain their funding was the focus of a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Kathleen Schmand

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Kathleen Schmand, who took over as dean of the James E. Walker Library Jan. 4, first aired Feb. 2 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org.

You can listen to their conversation via the Soundcloud link above.

Most recently, Schmand was director of development and communications at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, a master’s from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s from Northern Arizona University.

While at NAU, Schmand helped launch a crowdfunding effort that raised more than $6,000 to buy electronic textbooks. She said continuing the Walker Library’s practice of making textbooks available to students is a priority for her.

“I really think it is an important initiative for students,” Schmand said. “The cost of higher education has only increased over the years. I think institutions are trying to recognize that fact.”

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about the radio program, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.