General issues - old vs. new spaces for library

Last quarter I talked with some people affiliated with the library, read numerous cartoonist and researcher blogs about their experiences at the library, and also researched plans as they now stand for the new library space.

Here's a brief summary of issues with the current space:

• Location: library is hard to find; lack of signage on campus
• Exclusivity: library is not well known to general public, yet is a draw on faculty tours and to researchers
• Accessibility: library collection is closed for the protection of the materials; it may not be known what the holdings are. Any materials that are procured for the visitor must not leave the reading room. Also, could be intimidating for visitors who just want to read a book.
  

Issues that may affect the new space:

• Higher profile space: Sullivant Hall is right on High Street at 15th Avenue; it is also used for the Department of Dance. The new plans indicate that the Music and Dance Libraries will share space in the building with the Cartoon Library. The library will be much easier to find.
  
• Increased traffic: General public along with university community often use the building. May be an increased safety issue as well. Need to address entrance/exit points, checkout, etc.
  
• More space for display: three galleries that will be used for exhibits related to the collection
• Larger reading room: this will allow for more visitors to use the space at any given time; will increase demands on the space, for employees, and on the collection
• More space for storage: will allow for better storage of fragile materials and access to items; also will allow for all items in the collection to be catalogued and put away rather than stored in boxes, uncategorized
  

Also, fundamentals that will not change:

• Closed access; nothing leaving the reading room
• Targeting researchers and cartoon enthusiasts vs. children/general public
• Focus on being one of OSU's points of pride; something unique to this university