Group protests digital trend at OSU library

COLUMBUS (AP) — Some students and faculty at Ohio State University complain that the school is gutting its library by dropping some printed books and journals in favor of electronic versions.

About 24 protesters gathered outside Ohio State’s administration building Tuesday holding signs with messages such as: “A great library is not a throwaway item.” They want the school to find more shelf space for traditional books.

John Burnham, history professor emeritus, said some professors often don’t know what they’re looking for until they see it on a shelf.

Library Director Joe Branin says there is more demand for e-books and e-journals, and says the school will continue to add new materials in both print and digital formats. Ohio State’s main library holds about 6 million works.