Ohio University Music & Dance Library

- Robert Glidden Hall, Athens, OH 45701

In the heart of Athens, Ohio, the Ohio University Music & Dance Library stands as a specialized and invaluable resource for students and community members with a passion for the performing arts. Located within the renowned Robert Glidden Hall, the library is an essential hub for those studying or simply appreciating music, dance, and interdisciplinary arts. Its collections are meticulously curated to support the needs of the Schools of Music and Dance at Ohio University, making it a truly unique and focused institution. While it is an academic library, it is also a welcoming space for the wider Ohio community, offering access to its rich collections and resources. The library is more than just a quiet place to study; it is a center of learning, research, and creativity. One local review highlights the quality of the surrounding facilities, describing the performance hall as "top notch," which speaks to the overall artistic environment that the library is a part of. The same review also noted a love for the "promotion of music to students and community," a sentiment that perfectly captures the library's mission. It is a place where scholarly pursuits and artistic passion converge, offering a deep dive into the history, theory, and performance of music and dance. Whether you are a student working on a research paper, a musician looking for a rare score, or a community member wanting to explore a new genre of music, this library is a treasure trove of information and inspiration, providing a dedicated space for the pursuit of artistic knowledge.

The Ohio University Music & Dance Library is conveniently located within Robert Glidden Hall on the Ohio University campus in Athens, OH 45701. Glidden Hall itself is a six-story facility that serves as the home for the School of Music, and the library is situated on the 5th floor of this building. Its on-campus location makes it highly accessible for students, faculty, and staff, and its presence within a dedicated performing arts building means that it is perfectly integrated into the academic and artistic life of the university. The library prioritizes accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all members of the community can visit and utilize its resources without issue. These features are a testament to the library’s commitment to inclusivity. The central location within a well-known campus building makes it simple for visitors to find, and the accessible parking options add a layer of convenience for those traveling to the library. The library's presence within Glidden Hall also means it is a key part of a larger hub of musical and dance activity, with practice rooms, studios, and performance spaces nearby. This physical integration enhances the overall experience for patrons, providing easy access to a wealth of materials and a vibrant artistic atmosphere. The thoughtful consideration for accessibility makes the Ohio University Music & Dance Library a welcoming and practical choice for anyone in the Athens area looking for specialized resources.

The Ohio University Music & Dance Library offers a wide array of services and resources tailored to the specific needs of musicians, dancers, and scholars. Its collections are specifically curated to support the course offerings and faculty interests of the Schools of Music, Dance, and Interdisciplinary Arts, ensuring a depth of knowledge that is unparalleled in the region. The library goes beyond just physical books, providing access to a variety of materials and modern technology to support research, learning, and creation. The services offered include:

• Books on music and dance
• Periodicals on music and dance
• Music scores and recordings
• Computer terminals (Mac and PC)
• Scanners
• Midi station
• Video viewing and listening area
• Access to the Ohio University Library catalog (ALICE)
• Access to OhioLINK for borrowing from other libraries
• Interlibrary Loan and Document Express
• Course Reserves
• Special Collections and Archives, including the Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis Dance Collection and the Gladys Bailin Papers.
• Technology for creating multimedia and digital projects.

This comprehensive list of services highlights the library's commitment to providing a holistic experience for its users. The availability of specialized technology like a "midi station" and a "video viewing and listening area" shows a deep understanding of the unique needs of music and dance students. The library also provides access to a vast network of resources through "OhioLINK" and "Interlibrary Loan," allowing users to borrow from 91 other academic libraries in Ohio and beyond. The existence of dedicated "Special Collections and Archives," such as those documenting the careers of modern dance leaders Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis, and the papers of Gladys Bailin, is a major asset for researchers. This rich and varied collection, combined with modern technology and a commitment to inter-library collaboration, ensures that the Ohio University Music & Dance Library is a top-tier resource for anyone in Ohio interested in the performing arts.

The Ohio University Music & Dance Library is distinguished by a number of key features and highlights that make it a premier institution for the performing arts. These attributes go beyond the basic library functions, showcasing its role as a cultural and academic leader in the state. The library’s most significant highlight is its specialized and extensive collection of resources dedicated solely to music and dance. This unique focus provides a depth of material that is not available in a general-purpose library. The presence of rare and valuable archives, such as the Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis Dance Collection, and the Gladys Bailin Papers, is a major draw for scholars and students. Another notable feature is the library’s technological infrastructure, which includes specialized equipment like MIDI keyboards and multimedia-focused computer terminals, allowing for creative and digital projects. The library also plays a key role in larger university initiatives, such as the "Finals by Alden" event, which extends to the Music & Dance Library, providing a fun and supportive atmosphere for students during a stressful time. The library's commitment to promoting music and dance in the community is also a key highlight, as noted in the provided review. The library is not just a repository of knowledge but an active participant in the artistic life of the university and the Athens community. The library's accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, further highlight its inclusive philosophy. These features collectively create an environment that is not only academically rigorous but also welcoming, innovative, and deeply committed to the success of its users and the promotion of the arts in Ohio.

For more information or to access the vast resources of the Ohio University Music & Dance Library, you can reach out to them directly. The staff is professional and ready to assist with any questions you may have about their collections, services, or how to get started. You can find them at their location in Athens or contact them by phone. The contact information is as follows:

Address: Robert Glidden Hall, Athens, OH 45701, USA

Phone: (740) 593-4256

What makes the Ohio University Music & Dance Library truly worth choosing is its unparalleled specialization and dedication to the performing arts. For anyone in Ohio with an interest in music and dance, this library is an invaluable resource that goes far beyond a typical public or university library. The focused collection of books, scores, and recordings provides a depth of knowledge that is essential for both serious academic study and personal enrichment. The availability of specialized technology, such as the midi station and video viewing area, makes it a unique space for creative work. Furthermore, the library's role as a steward of important historical archives, like the Nikolais/Louis collection, makes it a destination for researchers from around the world. The fact that it is an accessible and welcoming space for the entire community, as highlighted by its wheelchair-accessible features, underscores its commitment to public service. The positive review from a local resident about the "top notch performance hall" and the "promotion of music to students and community" is a perfect summary of what makes this library so special. It is a place where art and academia meet, providing a quiet space for study and a vibrant resource for the arts, making it an essential institution for the cultural life of Athens and beyond.

Ohio University Music & Dance Library

Robert Glidden Hall, Athens, OH 45701, USA