Is NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center library closing permanently?

The Goddard library is part of a facilities consolidation plan, but NASA states important materials will not be discarded and researchers will retain access to resources.

Will NASA discard historical books from its libraries?

NASA denies discarding important scientific or historical materials, stating a careful review process is followed for all collections.

What are NASA's future space exploration plans?

NASA is focused on sending astronauts farther into space, returning to the lunar environment, and investing in an orbital economy and scientific discovery.

Home / Science / NASA Denies Discarding Books Amid Library Shake-up

NASA Denies Discarding Books Amid Library Shake-up

3 Jan

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Summary

NASA denies discarding scientific or historical materials.
Goddard library closure is part of a 2022 facilities plan.
Researchers retain access to necessary scientific resources.

NASA Denies Discarding Books Amid Library Shake-up

NASA has pushed back against a report suggesting its largest library is shutting down permanently with books being discarded. The space agency clarified that this portrayal is misleading, emphasizing that no critical scientific or historical materials are being tossed out. This clarification comes amidst plans to consolidate facilities, a process approved in 2022.

The library at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is included in this ongoing facilities consolidation. However, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stressed that this move does not impede researchers' access to essential information and resources needed for their work. The agency maintains a thorough review process for its collections.

Materials are carefully assessed for digitization, transfer to other libraries, or historical preservation before any decisions are finalized. Isaacman urged focus on NASA's forward-looking initiatives, including ambitious space exploration goals and investments in an orbital economy.