Knowledge is power

In today's world, the news is available everywhere from iPhone apps to corner newsstands. Sure, the Internet, TV, and radio make it fast and easy to stay informed about what's happening on campus, in La Crosse, and even the world, but why stick to the traditional newspaper? It's simple. Almost like the comparing the difference between going and seeing a movie at the theater and reading the book; the book is always better.

Last week Student Senate agreed to conduct a four-week pilot program with USA Today that would expand UW-La Crosse's Collegiate Readership Program. Currently, USA Today, the La Crosse Tribune, and Wisconsin State Journal are offered free on campus, but are only available in the residence halls. Although exact details aren't finalized, during the trial program newspapers will be available in common places for all students including Murphy, academic buildings, or Cartwright.

"The next logical step is to make them available to all students," USA Today representative Jason Meyer said.

The pilot program is designed to gauge student's interest in reading. Consumption will be tracked to determine which locations are the most popular, and what is read the most. The trial results will determine if the program's offerings and locations meet the demands of the students.

"Students who regularly read newspapers are better prepared to live and work in a global economy. The readership program helps promote a sharing of ideas related to responsible citizenship. Students are more inclined to go out and voice their opinions as well as vote. They will be more inclined to be active and do things they might not have otherwise done. It encourages students to examine diverse viewpoints and multiple perspectives," Meyer said.

Picking up a paper makes your knowledge a personal choice. Newspapers are fuller and more detailed than the thirty second ten o'clock news segments. Papers offer more articles and more sections to choose from, and it is you, not some television producer, that gets to choose what you read. Furthermore, if you pick a local newspaper, it will have more information of a personal nature to you and your community.

The Racquet editors encourage you to pick up a paper the next time you pass by a newly located shelf. By making the pilot successful a more extensive collection of newspapers could be available in future years.  Take advantage of the free offerings while you're on campus. Reading not only gives you knowledge of the world around you, but you also absorb the materials you read thus benefiting yourself as well. Reading exposes you to new vocabulary, skills, and even interests or hobbies. After all, knowledge is power.