"Octagon
Room" Reservation Policy
Policy:
1. Classes scheduled by the Special Collections Librarian who
require access to materials located in Special Collections
will have
first
priority
and may bump other groups, although every reasonable attempt
will
be made to accommodate all.
2. Groups within LITS needing a space in which to meet may reserve
the room, subject to no. 1 above.
3. On rare occasions, and subject to the approval of the
Head of Archives and Special Collections or the LITS Administrative
Office, the room may be reserved by other Mount Holyoke groups.
4. When not otherwise scheduled, the space is available on a first-come
basis for students, faculty and staff needing a quiet space in which
to study.
Background:
When the plans for the renovation and addition of the Main Library
were being created in the late 1980's, the decision was made to
remove the "Treasure Room" from the Ludington Room mezzanines.
Ultimately, the rare book/special collection functions of these
spaces were moved to the 7th floor of the new Miles-Smith wing,
while other materials reverted to the Archives which was relocated
to the bottom floor of Dwight Hall.
Seven things were considered in designing the level 7 space-- unified
storage space for the collections; provision of exhibit space; provision
of space for class use of the material (sorely lacking in the old
space); ability to control access; accommodation of individual researchers;
provision of an office for the Special Collections Librarian; and
provision of a workspace for projects (such as minor repair or sorting
of collections).
Based on the footprint of the building and design considerations
such as the placement of the HVAC components, the stacks were placed
behind a solid wall with two entry points, one of which serves as
a fire exit; the classroom space was located in the octagonal room
and a table was constructed to fit; a small study space for individual
researchers was created by the placement of a wall at the end of
the short corridor connecting the exhibit space to the entry area
(the space now known as the alcove); and cabinetry and a sink were
added to a glassed in area to create the workroom.
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