Special Collections Reading Room Moves to Mullins Library Third Floor

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Mullins Library Room 329

From Aug. 22 through Sept. 5, the Special Collections Reading Room will be closed. It will reopen Sept. 6 in Mullins Library room 329. This move is in preparation for the upcoming renovation of Mullins Library's first and second floors. 

"Special Collections has been working for over a year to prepare our collections and services for the move to temporary spaces, and we are excited that the systems we have put in place will allow us to provide access to the majority of our holdings during the renovation," said Melanie Griffin, interim associate dean for Special Collections. "Many special collections libraries close completely during a renovation, and I am thrilled that we were able to find alternatives so that we can continue helping faculty, staff, students and community members with their research." 

Beginning Sept. 6, patrons will need to schedule an appointment to use the Special Collections Reading Room in advance by calling 479-575-8444 or emailing specoll@uark.edu. Due to the temporary nature of the new reading room location, the division will be unable to provide same-day access to collections. 

Room 329 was previously used as a faculty reading room, and it will be used as such again after the renovation is complete. Both faculty and graduate students will have access to the reading room in MULN 333 during this time by swiping their U of A identification cards. 

"This renovation provides an exciting opportunity to significantly enhance our special collections for future researchers," said Jason J. Battles, dean of libraries. "Our plans include dedicated exhibit and gallery space, an updated reading room, a brand-new classroom, and more and better climate-controlled storage for all the material stored in Special Collections. The transformation will be dramatic, and we can't wait to see the results."