Facts and Figures
Quick Facts about the University of Minnesota Libraries:
- Number of library locations on three Twin Cities campuses: 14
- Major facilities:
- Andersen Library (special collections and archives)
- Bio-Medical Library
- Magrath Library (human ecology, agriculture, and life sciences)
- Walter Library (physical sciences and engineering)
- Wilson Library (humanities and social sciences)
- Full list of major and branch libraries
- North American ranking (for collection size): 16 (of 113 research libraries)
- North American ranking for loans to other libraries: 1 (of 113 research libraries)
- Number of volumes: 6,200,669
- Number of serial subscriptions: 36,900
- Number of annual user visits: 2 million
- Number of annual reference questions answered: 186,000
- Number of annual workshops/class sessions delivered: 1,100
Among the Libraries’ most significant programs are:
MNCAT, the University Libraries’ online catalog, which provides citizens of Minnesota free and convenient access to more than 6 million volumes in the Libraries’ collections.
InfoPoint, the Libraries’ premier digital reference service, which provides information services seven days a week for users from the University community and beyond through a single online point of access.
Instructional programs that help students navigate the rich physical and electronic collections available and develop essential skills in information literacy.
MnLINK, a statewide virtual library that electronically links public, academic, K-12, and government libraries.
MINITEX, a cooperative library organization based at the University of Minnesota Libraries, serving libraries in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In 2003, MINITEX processed requests for 273,509 books and articles for interlibrary resource sharing among over 200 Minnesota libraries of all types.
Digital collections, which have grown considerably in recent years. Online tools increased almost 800 percent between 1995 and 2004.
Archives and Special Collections, comprised of 11 collections of rare and unique research materials. These include the Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature; the Givens Collection of African-American Literature; the Tretter Collection of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Literature; the world’s largest collection of Sherlock Holmes-related memorabilia; and the University’s own archive of institutional records, papers, and photographs.
Government Publications Library (GPL), a Regional Depository for United States government publications serving Minnesota and South Dakota. GPL is also a depository for the United Nations, the European Union, and Canadian publications.