UT ranks 23rd for US public research libraries

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — While many who pass by Hodges Library can't help but marvel at the unique exterior, perhaps it's time for them to marvel at what's truly inside it, as well.

The University of Tennessee received accolades for its library system recently -- ranking 23rd among public research libraries belonging to the Association of Research Libraries.

UT said the ARL is a nonprofit organization composed of 124 major research libraries in the U.S. and Canada -- which includes institutions such as the Library of Congress and the National Library of Medicine.

“Though it’s always first and foremost about the journey and not where we sit in a list, these rankings are a good shorthand measure of the hard work and commitment of our great staff and the university’s investment in its libraries,”

said Steve Smith, dean of libraries.

“It’s gratifying to see our efforts reflected in this key national library ranking.”

UT has been a member of the ARL for more than 50 years, saying their standing has advanced in recent years and that this is the highest standing it has held since the ARL updated its ranking scheme in 2005 to reflect the importance of electric acces to scholarly resources