Bibliology?

You've been to them, or most of them, but have you analyzed them? Or are you too busy pouring over textbooks to devote critical attention to choosing the optimal study location? We though so.

By Jason Frydman, May 10, 1995

Lighting: Excellent throughout.

History Department Library

Potential for concentration: High. It's small, Old World university library (with the strange exception of the faux avant-garde, silver "elbow lamps"). Since it's another sparsely attended library, you can definitely find quiet and solitude here. Robinson Hall is one of those buildings of such mediocrity that pretty much nothing short of a riot would prompt you to leave the library and explore.

Comfort level: High. Soft upholstered lounge chairs surround low coffee tables. For more academic work areas, try the long wooden tables with excellent chairs.

Lighting: While out of place, the elbow lamps do supply good working light. Long, Fluorescent tubes running about a food above their surfaces light the tables.

Fine Arts Library

Potential for concentration: High. Enter through the Fogg Museum on weekdays, through the Bush-Reisinger on weekends. An ideal place to study. Rarely crowded, always quiet, few distractions. Unless, of course, the art collection beckons you every time you look towards the threshold at the entrance.

Comfort level: High. Aesthetically pleasing. as well it should be. Chairs are contoured wood, floor is carpeted, ceilings are high. Tables are specious; sparse studying population means you can spread all your books out at your pleasure.

Lighting: Excellent. Art deco table lamps provide a gentle white light, complementing pasted decor.