Virtual Tour of the Geology Library
The Orton Memorial Library of Geology is located on parts of the first and second floors of Orton Hall. Orton Hall is located on the south side of the Oval and can be considered the most historic building on campus.
There are three entrances into Orton Hall. The first is the entrance facing the Oval. There are also entrances on the southeast and southwest corners of the building. These two entrances lead to an elevator that can be used to reach the entrance to the library on the first floor.
Before you enter the library, there are columns in the lobby just outside the library doors. These columns are made mostly of different sandstones from throughout Ohio. There are also two displays commemorating Edward Orton, Sr., the first president of Ohio State and John A. Bownocker.
Two full-time staff members maintain the Geology Library. On the left is Mary Scott, the librarian. On the right is Patti Dittoe, the circulation supervisor.
Immediately after entering the library, the circulation desk is located to your right. This is where items can be checked out and in. Holds can also be picked up here as well as course reserves.
There are three public computers in the library. Two of them are located near the circulation desk. These are the only to computers that are connected to our printer.
We have one copier/scanner available for use. This is located in the room across from the circulation desk. This room also contains a TV, VCR and DVD player for use with our 2 hour course reserve videos.
The majority of our recent journals are located in the room across from the circulation desk (180B). The journals that we have received during the previous week are located on the small desk in the lower right corner of the picture.
The major feature of the first floor is our reading room. We have six large antique tables in the center of the room. These tables date to the 1920's. We also have smaller desks around the sides of the reading room. The quiet atmosphere of the reading room makes for an excellent loaction for studying.
Also in the reading room, is the desk of Dr. Edward Orton Jr. This desk is the location of the new book shelf. This desk also dates back to at least the 1920's.
The columns within the reading room also have finely crafted capitals.
Off of the balcony is our serial and map room. This room contains most of our collection of journals as well as most of our maps. Looking down the walkway, journals are on your right, and maps are to the left.
The image above only shows part of our collection of maps.
There are many paintings that hang on the walls of the reading room. These two paintings are of Edward Orton Sr. (left) and Edward Orton Jr. (right). Edward Orton Sr. was the first president of Ohio State and was also the third State Geologist of Ohio. Edward Orton Jr. was the fourth State Geologist of Ohio and also donated the Geology Library's initial collection of books out of his personal library.
Photos courtesy of Dr. Loren Babcock.
Designed and compiled by Michael C. Veres, Student Webmaster
Last updated: June 20, 2007
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