Navigating the University of Tennessee Libraries: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Tennessee (UT) Libraries serve as a vital hub for students, faculty, and researchers, providing access to a vast collection of resources and a multitude of services designed to support academic success. With a commitment to providing information in all formats, the UT Libraries offer a comprehensive suite of resources, both physical and digital, ensuring that users have the tools they need to excel in their studies and research endeavors.

Accessing a Wealth of Resources

The UT Libraries boast an impressive collection of over 3.7 million titles, encompassing a wide array of formats, including print and electronic books, journals, and media. This extensive collection ensures that students and researchers have access to a wealth of information across various disciplines. The UT Libraries are committed to providing access to information in all formats. A strong collection of electronic resources is available through the Libraries’ webpage at www.lib.utk.edu.

The UT Libraries owns approximately 2.6 million volumes and subscribe to more than 31,000 periodicals and serial titles.

Locations and Specialized Collections

The UT Libraries system includes the John C. Hodges Library, the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library, and the George F. DeVine Music Library. Visit lib.utk.edu/hours for the hours of library branches.

John C. Hodges Library

The John C. Hodges Library, situated in the heart of the campus, serves as the central hub of the UT Libraries system. It houses the majority of the Libraries’ collections and offers a wide range of unique services. The John C. Hodges Main Library (1015 Volunteer Blvd.) is a 350,000 square-foot building housing collections in all subject areas.

Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library

Located on the agriculture campus, the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library offers specialized collections, spaces, and services tailored to the needs of students and researchers in these fields.

George F. DeVine Music Library

The George F. DeVine Music Library, located in the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, houses a comprehensive collection of music and music literature, including books, scores, audio and video recordings, current periodicals, and microfilm. The Music Library will relocate temporarily during construction of a new Music Building.

The Commons: A Hub for Collaboration and Support

The Commons, located on the second floor of Hodges Library, is a technology-rich environment designed to foster collaboration and provide students with the resources they need to succeed. The Commons, which is jointly managed and staffed by the University Libraries and the Office of Information Technology, also offers a computer help desk, a wide range of software applications and computer equipment, spaces for individual and group study, and loaner laptops configured to access the wireless network.

The technology-rich Commons, which comprises the entire second floor of Hodges Library, is a popular gathering place for students, for both studying and socializing. The Commons brings together all the tools students need to succeed: technology, research assistance, advising services, and even a coffee shop.

Resources Available in the Commons

Research Assistance: Students can get help with research, writing, and academic support in the Commons. Research assistance is available in the Commons (Rooms 220 and 235). Research Services (Room 135) offers more in-depth research consultation.
Technology Access: The Commons offers a computer help desk, a wide range of software applications and computer equipment, spaces for individual and group study, and loaner laptops configured to access the wireless network. Students may check out equipment such as laptops and cameras.
Study Spaces: The Commons provides spaces for individual and group study, allowing students to collaborate and learn together. Students can work collaboratively in group study rooms.
The Studio: The Studio (Room 245) offers students a state-of-the-art lab for graphics, video and web production. Still and video cameras are available for checkout from the Studio. Students can create videos or multimedia projects in The Studio.
Practice Presentation Room: Students can utilize a Practice Presentation Room to hone their presentation skills.
Food and Beverage: A coffee shop and convenience store on the second floor serve students throughout the day and evening hours.

The Commons is open continuously from noon on Sunday to midnight on Friday, during Fall and Spring Semesters.

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Digital Resources and Online Access

Recognizing the importance of digital resources, the UT Libraries place a high priority on providing access to electronic resources. Even when you are not on campus or at the library, we are available to answer questions and help you find the resources you need.

Online Databases and Study Aids

The UT Libraries provide access to a variety of online databases and study aids, including:

Aspen Learning Library: Provides online access to over 200 study aids, including the Examples & Explanations series, Emanuel outlines, and the Glannon Guides.
Fastcase: Provides students with access to a full collection of cases, statutes, admin regs and constitutions, as well as most court rules and attorney general opinions.
HeinOnline: Provides PDFs of full runs of law journals.
Lexis OverDrive Digital Library: Provides students and faculty with E-Book access to Tennessee Primary Authorities, as well as hundreds of popular study aids.
West Academic Study Aids: Provides students with online access to hundreds of study aids including case briefs, outlines, hornbooks, multiple choice questions, flash card, and audio titles.

Digital Library Initiatives

UT’s Digital Library Initiatives hosts a growing number of digital collections.

Specialized Collections and Services

In addition to its general collections, the UT Libraries also maintain several specialized collections and services to support specific research needs.

Special Collections

Special Collections is dedicated to building collections of manuscripts, rare books, and other unique research materials. Collection strengths include Tennessee authors, Tennessee history and politics, Oak Ridge, and TVA. The Great Smoky Mountains Regional Collection is an ongoing effort to collect and preserve materials on the region. Students are welcome to use Special Collections.

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University Archives

The Libraries maintain the university’s Archives.

Interlibrary Services

Interlibrary Services is available to help students find and retrieve materials that are not available in the UT Libraries.

Social Work Library

The Social Work Library (Room 292, 193-E Polk Ave., Nashville) serves College of Social Work students in field practice across the state.

Research Assistance and Instruction

Experts in each library offer help and assistance in using the library for research. AskUsNow! Research Assistance: Our library faculty are subject specialists who can provide information at the public services desks or by research appointments.

Workshops and classes are offered throughout the semester to help students learn how to get the most out of the Libraries’ services.

Creating Community

The UT Libraries create community with its inviting spaces and through hosting events such as the Lunch and Learn series that promotes belonging and engagement.

Joel A. Katz Law Library

The Joel A. Katz Law Library offers a wealth of resources and services tailored to the needs of law students and faculty.

Technology Access

In addition to our pc workstations, we offer iMacs, color printers and scanners. We loan MacBooks, scientific calculators and other tools.

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