Skip to main content
Amos Music Library from the second floor looking down over the stacks

Amos Music Library closed as of Sept. 1

Post created: • by

In this article

After more than three years of study and review, consultation with campus stakeholders, and careful consideration, Miami University closed the Amos Music Library space in the Center for Performing Arts on 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1.

Students, faculty, and staff are still able to access its materials, resources, and services. Frequently used materials are relocating to King Library, and all other materials can be requested through the Libraries' online catalog and delivered to King Library, Wertz Art and Architecture Library, Rentschler Library (Miami University Hamilton campus), or Gardner-Harvey Library (Miami University Middletown campus). Materials can also be delivered through campus mail to academic departments and residence halls. The Music Librarian and music library staff will also relocate to King Library, where they and all other librarians and library staff are available for consultation through live chat, email, phone, and in-person appointment.

The decision was informed by the recommendations of two arts library committees, who reviewed the issue over '20-'21 and '21-'22; a year-long usage study during the '22-'23 academic year; and consultation with the Library Committee of University Senate, the Campus Planning Committee of University Senate, the Dean of Libraries' Student Advisory Council, and other campus stakeholders. It also reflects the findings and recommendations of the Libraries' Facilities Master Plan, which was originally developed in 2017 after a year-long master planning process and calls for a consolidation of library services and resources to King Library.

Thank you for partnering with us as we work together to advance Miami's research and instruction. The Miami University Libraries support today's Miami's faculty, students, and staff—just as they've done since even before the first class of students and faculty met on campus 200 years ago. While buildings may change, technology will advance, and our services will adapt with the needs of our community, today's Libraries remain committed to that same fundamental purpose.

What’s happening with the Amos Music Library?

The Amos Music Library space in the Center for Performing Arts (CPA) closed to the public after 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

All Music materials are still available, and the Music Librarian and staff have moved to King Library.

Why is the Music library closing?

This is the latest step in the University Libraries’ Facilities Master Plan, which was developed in 2017 and calls for consolidating most library service points into King Library. This closure, like the closure of the Business, Engineering, Science, and Technology (B.E.S.T.) Library in Laws Hall in 2020, provides valuable space for other high-impact university priorities. It also makes the Music library’s collections more accessible, since King Library is open more hours and has more more staff and services available to students, faculty, and staff.

Where will the Music collections go? How do I check them out after the space closes?

During the ‘23-’24 academic year, Music materials will be moved to the ground floor of King Library. As batches of materials move, the library catalog will be updated to show each item’s current location.

Materials normally available for checkout

You can request any materials that are normally available for checkout—music books, scores, CDs, LPs, etc.—through the Libraries’ online catalog whether they are still in Amos Music Library or have already moved to King Library. You can choose to have them sent to:

  • King Library
  • Wertz Art and Architecture Library (7 Alumni Hall)
  • Rentschler Library (Miami University Hamilton campus)
  • Gardner-Harvey Library (Miami University Middletown campus)

You can pick up your materials at the circulation desk once they are delivered. If you prefer, you can also get materials that have already moved to King Library from the shelves yourself.

Materials can also be delivered through campus mail to academic departments and residence halls.

Materials on reserve

Faculty can choose to have reserve materials made available at either King Library or Wertz Art and Architecture Library (7 Alumni Hall).

Materials for in-library use (reference materials, monuments, journals, etc.)

Reference materials and composers’ complete works (monuments) will move to King Library.

Most print journal articles are available in our online databases. For journals that are not available online and other non-circulating materials, please contact us through live chat, email, or phone.

What do I do if I have a research or reference question?

You can get help from Miami librarians through our online chat and email reference services. You can also contact a subject librarian directly for a remote or in-office consultation.

The Music Librarian, Barry Zaslow, can be reached at zaslowbj@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-2299.

Is the book return still available in the CPA?

Yes. Materials can be placed there whenever the CPA is open. Library staff will check items in on a regular basis, but check-in may be delayed over weekends and holidays.

Whom should I contact if I have more questions?

Questions about the Music Library

Barry Zaslow, Music Librarian
zaslowbj@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-2299

Questions about the College of Creative Arts

John Weigand, Interim Dean of the College of Creative Arts
weiganjb@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-9838