University library fights corruption by publishing expenditures
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A library curator of Shanghai's Fudan University published a list of library expenditures last week to show his determination in fighting against corruption spreading to the educational sector.
Ge Jianxiong, a national political advisor and the library curator of the Fudan University, posted his 35 million yuan (about 5.3 million U.S. dollars) list of 2009 library expenditures on the Internet last week.
Among the expenditures, 30.9 million yuan was used for book purchases, according to Ge's post. According to the list, one third of the books had been borrowed at least once while eight to ten percent were borrowed more than five times a year, which shows both the popularity and necessity of the books.
He also said expenditures on public affairs, especially in regards to serving guests, were prone to criticism. Among Ge's expenditures, 67,200 yuan was used for a reception.
Like government funds, educational spending is an area susceptible to corruption. The lack of supervision and a transparency mechanism makes the sector "a grey area" for public complaints.
Ge said commissions offered by publishers were common when school libraries purchased books, adding that books were sold at a discount so the gap could be easily embezzled.
"Publishing the expenditure will no doubt impose pressure on other school departments," he said, adding that he would also publish expenditures for 2010. He suggested all school departments make financial accounts "clean and transparent".
Ge's move has won public support. Cao Jingxing, a news analyst, said Ge's move served as an alarm for corrupt officials in the educational sector.
