UT Libraries Collection Review: Facts and Questions

Why is the Libraries removing books from its collection?

To better serve users’ needs. For example, to accommodate the increasing need for space for study, research, and other innovative activity and collaborations, and to prepare for the move of lesser-used materials to the new Library Storage Annex.

Will the Libraries still hold books or purchase new books?

Yes and yes! About four million print and electronic books still remain in Hodges, Pendergrass, and DeVine libraries. The Libraries will continue to purchase and add new books to its collections.

Can I suggest books for the libraries to purchase?

Yes. Visit the Libraries website to suggest a purchase.

What will happen to the books being removed?

Some will be sent to Better World Books, which will sell them and use proceeds to support libraries and literacy. Any books not sent to Better World Books will be sent to UT Recycling. State law limits how UT can dispose of state property.

What is the Libraries’ criteria for removing books?

The books are rarely circulated or are outdated; the books are readily available from other libraries; they are not texts the UT Libraries has agreed to hold in perpetuity; the Libraries owns another copy (including e-books); or they are available in the HathiTrust Digital Library.

When and where will candidate lists be available?

The candidate lists are available on the Libraries website.

How can I access the list?

The campus community will access the list via login with NetID and password.

How long will I have to review the titles?

The campus community will have four to six weeks to review the titles. Lists will be available online in Library of Congress call number order.

Will books still be available for all disciplines?

Yes! Resource sharing agreements with other libraries ensure that whatever books are removed would still be available to constituents through interlibrary loans. UT Libraries will continue collecting in the areas and in the format that matters in each discipline.

If I have more questions, whom should I contact?

You may send questions or inquiries to Libraries Senior Associate Dean Holly Mercer at hollymercer@utk.edu.