Written by: Clementine Arneson
Famously (at least to the Tour Team), Ellis Library has over 3.5 million volumes that students can browse through. However, over a million of those books are located just a couple of miles away at the MU Depository. Even as a library employee, I’m always surprised when I learn just how many books and resources are available through MU Libraries alone.
The Depository is essentially overflow storage that allows MU students to have access to a much larger collection. It is designed to store as many books as possible, and to keep these books in archival condition. To achieve this, the books are sorted by size and the shelves are adjustable – this allows the books to be stored at a much higher density than at Ellis Library. The shelves themselves are also simply much larger – the Depository looks like a warehouse and the shelves are around 40 feet tall. The books are also carefully stored so that they last as long as possible without deteriorating. To achieve this, they are kept in acid-free boxes at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, how can you access the books in the Depository? Unfortunately, the site is not open to the public, but at Mizzou we are lucky to be the Missouri campus closest to the Depository. Books located there will show up when searching the library homepage with the location, “MU Library Depository.” Simply place a request for the book you’re interested in, select a location for pick-up, and the book should arrive within a couple of days. The Depository can also scan articles and chapters and send a PDF file directly to your email.