When compared to its peers, UConn spent less on bookbinding, periodicals, collections development, and had an overall smaller inventory of books.

UConn spent $30 per student on the library at a time when its peers were spending close to $70.

Prior to Babbidge being built, the Wilbur Cross Library housed the university's books and volumes.

Regarding the naming of the university's new library, Bruce M. Stave writes that "Homer Daniels Babbidge, Jr., died of cancer at age 58 in March 1984.

Thomas Meskill, whose UConn budget cuts earlier prompted Babbidge to retire and run for governor against him.