For many years the Libraries removed and discarded dust jackets as books were processed into the collections, although since the 1990s jackets have remained with the books and allowed to circulate. Over time, the jackets tend to become worn and tattered, although many remain in surprisingly pristine condition for decades.

Since the dust jackets on books related to Dada often illustrate or illuminate the subject or thesis of the book, a decision was made around 2000 to retain the jackets permanently in a collection separate from the books themselves. This collection was originally arranged in order by the call number assigned to the book. However, as the collection was added to, and finally completed in 2017, it was decided that each box would be alphabetized by title for easier patron browsing. It notes only the title -- not publisher, place of publication, call number, or date, all information that can be found in the InfoHawk record.