Does the UvA feel no responsibility for the old University Library?
The UvA wants to sell the old University Library building. Rogier Noyon cannot understand this and wants a discussion about the future of the building. “The UvA is apparently unable to think about the future of the building without dollar signs in its eyes.”
Last week, Folia published an article about the sale of the old University Library building on Singel. Reading the article is shocking. We would like to assume that the old building does not fit in with the UvA’s accommodation strategy. And we also know that the university is short of cash. But why is money the only thing that matters to the university?
The millions are tumbling over each other: 50 to 60 million... no, maybe more than 100 million... or even 135 million! Apparently, the UvA cannot think about the future of the building without dollar signs in its eyes. And that obscures its own responsibility. Responsibility for the city, the birthplace and breeding ground of the university.
We have previously raised the issue of what will happen to the old University Library, and were surprised by the deafening silence surrounding the future of the building. Politicians took up the issue and wanted a public debate about the building. But the UvA saw no need for this, and nothing came of the debate. The UvA apparently feels no responsibility whatsoever and is only interested in money.
Symbiosis
Why is that? After all, there is a mutual bond between the city and the university. The city benefits from having the UvA. Conversely, the university benefits from having the city of Amsterdam. Every year, so much young talent gives the city a boost. And every year, that talent is attracted not only by the university, but also by what the city has to offer. It is a symbiosis; we cannot do without each other, we strengthen each other.
This fact should also play an important role when it comes to the future of this building. There is such a great need for diverse forms of accommodation in the city, both for people and for functions, especially in this central location. And there are so many parties that can and want to play a role in its development. Simply going for the highest bid is very simplistic.
Rogier Noyon is UvA alumnus sociology and Chair of the Vereniging Voordestad.
