Albertsons Library is working to restore physical access to its book stacks. Because reopening depends on the pace of reshelving hundreds of thousands of volumes and completing facility work, firm dates cannot yet be provided for every area. Updates will be shared as progress continues, starting with the fourth floor, followed by the east side of the third floor and the remaining third-floor collections.
The building repairs, caused by a February 2025 water pipe burst, created both a need and an opportunity for the Library to conduct a comprehensive collection review, a standard stewardship practice that had not occurred at this scale in many years.
In response to recent questions and misunderstandings regarding our collection review, we want to provide clear context on our process. The review was not an indiscriminate purge of books or a goal to eliminate print. Items were evaluated using professional criteria, subject librarian expertise, and faculty input. Low checkout history did not automatically mean a book was removed. The decision to remove them does not mean they lack value, only that they have served their purpose in the collection. The Library considered disciplinary context, historical depth, and unique research value, particularly in fields like the humanities and arts.
While reshelving continues, subject librarians can help locate alternative physical copies, secure digital versions, or process purchase requests. For instructors whose courses rely on physical browsing or comparing specific editions, subject librarians are available to help. Patrons can also request items through interlibrary loan (ILL).
The collection review helps realign physical holdings with Boise State’s research goals and academic programs. Although budget constraints and annual inflation rates on library materials affect purchasing power, the Library remains committed to print for deep research and reading alongside digital resources for remote access. Faculty can support these efforts by sharing specific research needs and discussing collection gaps with subject librarians.
Read more about our collection renewal.