With The New York Times’ recent suspension of free access to its online edition, members of Georgetown University Student Association are encouraging the university to coordinate an online subscription for students.
On March 28, The New York Times limited online users to 20 free articles a month.
Colleges and universities that purchase a certain number of print copies are eligible to receive a discount on a digital subscription for all students, faculty and staff.
According to GUSA Executive Chief of Staff Mike Barclay (COL ’12), the number of print copies distributed on campus with the Collegiate Readership Program’s renewal renders the university eligible for online discounts.
GUSA Senator Tyler Sax (COL ’13), one of the key players in bringing back the program — which provides free copies of The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today to campus — said GUSA’s first priority would be to make sure that the existing program is sustainable. However, he said that expansion could be possible next semester.
“If the current administration wants to make online subscriptions a priority, then we will start to look into the feasibility of this addition to the program and likely look to implement it in the fall,” Sax said.
According to Rachel Pugh, director of media relations, the university will wait for more information on The New York Times subscription deal before making a decision. Student and college discount information will be available in the upcoming weeks, according to the Times website.
Lauinger Library currently offers The New York Times articles on its online database. Students, faculty and staff can access current and past articles of the newspaper, dating back to 1851 and available in database form without direct access to The Times website.
According to Dawn Stephen, Lauinger’s head of electronic resources, this service will continue despite changes with Times’ subscriptions.
Annalise Windsor (COL ’14) said she thought Georgetown students should have free access to the site.
“I think getting an online subscription would be a good idea, because I would be less willing to subscribe and pay myself,” she said.
