Libraries' Special Collections Division Offers Extended Hours on Wednesdays

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The University of Arkansas Libraries Special Collections Division Reading Room, located in MULN 329, is now open by appointment from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-6 p.m. on Wednesdays. The reading room will continue to be open by appointment from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 

"We had many students, faculty and staff ask us for extended hours in the reading room during the fall semester, and we're excited to make this change in support of our campus community," said Melanie Griffin, interim associate dean for Special Collections. "We plan to continue monitoring usage and requests and to make further adjustments as needed."

While in its temporary space in room 329 during Phase II of the Mullins Library renovation project, the Special Collections Reading Room will operate under temporary policies and procedures. Instructions are available online for scheduling an appointment. 

After the renovation is completed in Summer 2024, Special Collections will gain an additional 3,000 square feet of space for storing materials on site, and some collections in circulation will be moved to more prominent locations. A new reading room and classroom will offer enhanced technology, and the division will also gain dedicated exhibit and gallery space. 

"The transformation will be dramatic, and we can't wait to see the results," said Jason Battles, dean of University Libraries.