Library Annex
The Library Annex is a high-density storage facility for low-use library materials. The transfer of such materials to the Library Annex increases the space available for users in the main campus library buildings and provides conservation-level environmental controls for books and journals, archives and manuscripts, and rare and fragile materials. All materials in the Library Annex are represented in the Library catalog and may be requested for use. The Library Annex is located on KU’s west campus and designed on the Harvard model. It has an initial capacity of 1.6 million volumes.
Annex Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Library Annex?
The Library Annex is located on the University of Kansas West Campus at 1880 Westbrooke St. The Annex is south of Bob Billings Parkway between Kasold Drive and Crestline Road.
What is shelved in the Annex?
Low-use material in any format or subject area may be considered for transfer to the Library Annex. In addition, old and fragile material, archival material and manuscripts and material with online counterparts may be considered for shelving in the Library Annex.
What are the hours?
The Library Annex is staffed Monday-Friday. The Annex is a secure, locked facility. All visits must be arranged in advance.
Can I visit for on-site use?
The facility has a reading room available for those who wish to consult long journal runs. Use of materials on-site requires advance arrangements in order to give staff time to retrieve needed materials. The facility does not offer photocopy, fax, or scanning equipment. Spencer Research Library collections stored at the Annex must be used in the Spencer Reading Room. Contact us at libannex@ku.edu to view materials on-site.
What is the capacity?
The current building has a capacity of nearly 3.2 million volumes and additional cold storage for film media. The site plan provides for the expansion of 2 additional storage modules with a total book storage capacity of approximately 6 million volumes.
How do I request an item?
Circulating items placed in the Library Annex can be identified by the shelving location reported in the record display. To borrow an item located in the Library Annex, submit a request through the KU Library Catalog using the Retrieve from Shelf request . Library Annex materials may be requested for use at almost any library location. Non-circulating items placed in the Library Annex can be identified by the shelving location reported in the record display. For more details about how to request specific items, please see the Library Annex Requests section of the Recalls and Requests policy.
Where can I pick up materials?
Library staff will retrieve materials from the Library Annex and place them on hold at the requestor's designated pick-up location (any of the libraries' circulation desks), usually within 24 hours of the request, Monday through Friday.