In the 1930s, Fensington C. Lowry, dean of University Extension, began an “extension library” to serve the needs of high school and college teachers of drama and debate; local clubs and churches with a need for program materials; and individuals with special research needs in history, literature, and cultural studies. In 1947 David Harkness was hired as director of the Extension Library, and served in that capacity until 1981, when the functions of the library were assumed by the UT Libraries upon his retirement. Harkness, as director, wrote more than 55 pamphlets, mostly on historical topics. Modeled after the Browsing Room at Columbia University, the library also handled the statewide reading program of the Tennessee Federation of Women’s Clubs. When started by Lowry, the library was in South College. It moved to Tyson House in 1952, then to a former residence on Volunteer Boulevard, and then to the Communications and University Extension Building in 1969.