---
title: "DROP EXTERNAL LIBRARY (Transact-SQL) | Microsoft Docs"
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ms.date: "08/17/2017"
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  - "DROP EXTERNAL LIBRARY"
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author: "jeannt"
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---
# DROP EXTERNAL LIBRARY (Transact-SQL)  
[!INCLUDE[tsql-appliesto-ssvnxt-xxxx-xxxx-xxx](../../includes/tsql-appliesto-ssvnxt-xxxx-xxxx-xxx.md)]  

Deletes an existing package library.

## Syntax  
```
DROP EXTERNAL LIBRARY library_name  
[ AUTHORIZATION owner_name ];  
```

### Arguments

**library_name**

Specifies the name of an existing package library.

Libraries are scoped to the user. That is, library names are considered unique within the context of a specific user or owner.

**owner_name**

Specifies the name of the user or role that owns the external library.

Database owners can delete libraries created by other users.

### Return values

An informational message is returned if the statement was successful.

## Remarks

Unlike other `DROP` statements in SQL Server, this statement supports specifying an optional authorization clause. This allows **dbo** or users in the **db_owner** role to drop a package library uploaded by a regular user in the database.

## Examples

Add ggplot2 to a database:

```sql
CREATE EXTERNAL LIBRARY ggplot2 
FROM 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL13.MSSQLSERVER\ggplot2.zip';
```

Delete the ggplot2 library.

```sql
DROP EXTERNAL LIBRARY ggplot2 <user_name>;
```

## See also  
[CREATE EXTERNAL LIBRARY (Transact-SQL)](create-external-library-transact-sql.md)  
[ALTER EXTERNAL LIBRARY (Transact-SQL)](alter-external-library-transact-sql.md)  
[sys.external_library_files](../../relational-databases/system-catalog-views/sys-external-library-files-transact-sql.md)  
[sys.external_libraries](../../relational-databases/system-catalog-views/sys-external-libraries-transact-sql.md)