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Ohio University Libraries
30 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701

Alden Library Floors

Alden Library Floors Overview

Graphic overview of the layout of Alden Library showing main entrances on floors 2 and 4 as well as the amenities and noise levels for each floor. Text alternative follows on page.
Graphic Design by Heaven Herrold / Ohio University Libraries

Alternative text describing the layout and location of amenities in Alden Library are included on this page. For more detailed information, visit the Persons with Disabilities resources for contact information.

Study Space Noise Guidelines

Location and Entrances

The Vernon R. Alden Library on the Athens campus has seven floors and two main entrances. The second-floor entrance can be accessed from Park Place and the fourth-floor entrance opens onto College Green behind Cutler Hall. Both entrances are accessible via ramps. The building is serviced by three elevators. A central stairwell connects floors one through five, and all seven floors can be accessed via auxiliary stairwells.

Collections by Floor

Physical items in the Libraries' collection are located as follows:

  • 1st Floor - International Collections and Microforms
  • 2nd Floor - Current Periodicals, Course Reserves, and Multimedia Equipment
  • 3rd Floor - Fine Arts Collection and Fine Arts Periodicals
  • 4th Floor - Media Collection (DVDs, CDs, etc.)
  • 5th Floor - Government Documents, Map Collection, Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections
  • 6th Floor - General Collection: Library of Congress Classes (call numbers) A - LT
  • 7th Floor - General Collection: Library of Congress Classes (call numbers) P - ZA, Children's Collection, OHIO Theses and Dissertations

Partners Located in Alden Library

University Libraries partners with many other units who share space in Alden Library. You can find hours and other information about these units on their websites:

Individual Floors 1-7 in Alden Library

Amenities vary by floor. Please use this table or the graphics on this page to locate what you're looking for or contact us with any questions. For more about classrooms and meeting rooms available in Alden, check out Room Reservations. Visit Study Space Noise Guidelines to learn what the noise level guidelines are for each floor.

Feature / ServiceLocation(s)
Charging Lockers and Stations (Laptops and Phones)Floors 2 and 4
Check out booksFloors 2 and 4
Computers (Windows)Floors 2 and 4
Computers (Macintosh)Floors 2 and 3
Lactation RoomFloor 4
Laptop BorrowingFloor 4
Library Help DeskFloors 2 and 4
LockersFloors 2, 4, and 7
Meditation RoomFloor 5
Multimedia Center and tutorsFloor 2
Printers (Black and White)Floors 2, 3, and 4
Printers (Color)Floor 2
RestroomsAll Floors
Restrooms (Accessible)Floors 2 and 4
Restrooms (Single User)Floors 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
Return booksFloors 2 and 4
ScannersFloors 2, 3 and 4
Self-Pickup ShelfFloor 2
Shostack Adaptive Technology RoomFloor 2
Study RoomsFloors 1, 2, 3, and 4
OHIO Tech Help DeskFloor 4
Vending MachineFloor 2
Map of the first floor of Alden Library with study rooms, Ohio University Press, Accessibility Services and Testing Center, and other units
Graphic Design by Heaven Herrold / Ohio University Libraries

The first floor of Alden houses unique international collections and the microforms collection and offers both quiet and silent study spaces. 

Map of the 2nd floor of Alden library showing study rooms, Multimedia Center, service desk, Self-Pickup shelves, cafe, and other units
Graphic Design by Heaven Herrold / Ohio University Libraries

The 2nd floor houses the Learning Commons, an active, technology rich study environment, several group study rooms, the library service desk, and the Academic Achievement Center (AAC).

Floor plan map of the third floor of Alden library showing the locations of CoLab, the Fine Arts collection, meeting rooms, and other units
Graphic Design by Heaven Herrold / Ohio University Libraries

The 3rd floor has a mix of quiet and group study environments, instructional labs, group study rooms, and computers.

Floor plan map of the 4th floor of Alden library showing the location of the help desk, Very Quiet Study room, 1951 lounge, and other units
Graphic Design by Heaven Herrold / Ohio University Libraries

From the College Green entrance into Alden Library, you will arrive on the 4th Floor. There you will find multiple types of study space, computing, and the 4th Floor Service Desk. Library and campus events are often held in the Class of 1951 Lounge.

Floor plan of the 5th floor of Alden library showing the location of Government Docs, Ryan Room, Archives, Map Collection, and other units
Graphic Design by Heaven Herrold / Ohio University Libraries

The 5th floor houses several unique collections and is a quiet study space.  

Floor plan of the 6th floor of Alden library showing the location of restrooms and sections of the collection by Library of Congress class
Graphic Design by Heaven Herrold / Ohio University Libraries

The 6th Floor, often referred to as the book "stacks," is where you will find books in call numbers A-LT.  The floor is also a popular place for quiet study that overlooks a beautiful view of campus.  

  • Call Numbers A-LT
  • Oversize Books
  • Single User Restroom
Floor plan of the 7th floor of Alden library showing the location of restroom, the Children's collection, and sections of the collection by Library of Congress class
Graphic Design by Heaven Herrold / Ohio University Libraries

The top floor of Alden Library is a popular place for quiet study, with great views overlooking campus. 

  • Call Numbers P-ZA
  • Children's Collection
  • Lockers
  • Oversize, Theses, and Dissertations
  • Single User Restroom