Tanner Memorial Library of Philosophy

 

Tanner library
Tanner Library '21

Tanner Library supports the teaching and research mission of the Philosophy and Religious Studies departments with a core collection of books, journals, and reference materials. Dissertations, honors theses, and reserve materials for philosophy department courses are also kept in Tanner. The library is also an ideal location for quiet study or small group collaboration, with 4 tables, 2 lounge chairs, a full time librarian, and a beautiful view of the Main Quad.

Tanner Library is open to anyone with a SUnet ID card, including faculty, students, staff, and alumni, as well as visiting scholars and faculty. Nearly all materials in the main collection, including bound journals, are available for checkout with SUnet ID. Tanner’s holdings are listed in SUL's SearchWorks, the general online catalog. Tanner materials may be returned to any library in the SUL system. During closed hours, materials can also be returned through the Tanner Library drop box, just left of the Tanner doors.

Learn more about Tanner on Stanford University Libraries

Tanner Collection Development Policy

 

The core collection of Tanner Library consists of materials intended to assist the academic pursuits of the Stanford Philosophy Department and the greater philosophy community. Collection materials cover the basic topics within the world of philosophy, including metaphysics, logic, aesthetics, ethics, and linguistics. Areas of study for Stanford philosophy faculty and students are well represented by Tanner’s collection. Subjects such as philosophy of science, philosophy of language, ancient philosophy, semantics, continental philosophy, American philosophy, and philosophy of law comprise the main Tanner collection. The core of the collection consists of materials in the English language, however materials are also available in French, German, and Ancient Greek. The Tanner collection contains several duplicate materials from the philosophy collection in Green Library. 

The Tanner librarian is responsible for developing Tanner’s main collection. Philosophy faculty and students also provide recommendations and requests to the librarian for new acquisitions. Donors from the Stanford philosophy community and outside it are welcome to give books as gifts in kind to the Tanner collection. Donations must be relevant to the study of philosophy or a secondary subject that may be of interest to faculty and students. Secondary subject materials that make up portions of Tanner’s collection include sociology, classics, religion, and mathematics. Materials must be legible and in good condition with minimal wear. Preference is given to more recently published materials in the study of philosophy. The Tanner librarian is unable to provide appraisals of their gifts. 

For more information on Tanner’s collection development policies and for inquiries about donations to the main collection, please contact Tanner’s Librarian Stephen Sherwood.