Background Summary
In the fall of 2017, Douglas Dempster, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, shared with the college that a process was underway to evaluate the future of the Fine Arts Library. Members of the community expressed alarm at the prospect of the library being reduced in size to accommodate the college’s academic programs, citing the importance of ready access to printed volumes and other issues. To address their concerns, two task forces were formed, one to explore alternatives to having the Fine Arts collection on the fifth floor of the Doty Fine Arts Building and a second to consider alternative spaces for the college’s expanding academic programs.
On April 6, 2018, after the task forces completed their work, Dempster and Lorraine Haricombe, vice provost and director of UT libraries, sent recommendations to Provost Maurie McInnis, which she accepted.
They were to:
- Keep the Fine Arts Library collection on the fifth floor of the Doty Fine Arts Building (DFA).
- Improve average retrieval times for any materials stored in other facilities.
- Refurbish and renovate the fifth floor of DFA.
In the fall of 2018, the provost convened a new task force with faculty, staff and student representation looking at the future of the UT libraries in general. The task force will help develop a strategic vision for the future of UT’s libraries based on the changing nature of library use, academic research and emerging technologies that support research, among other factors.
Messages to Campus / College of Fine Arts Community
Update to the College of Fine Arts Community from Dean Douglas Dempster – May 1, 2018
Response from UT Provost Maurie McInnis – April 6, 2018
Report of the Fine Arts Library Task Force – April 2, 2018
Recommendations on the Fine Arts Library from Dean Dempster and Vice Provost Haricombe – April 4, 2018
Quick Links
Future of the Fine Arts Library
FAQ About the Fine Arts Library – December 2017-March 2018