Something about the Nature of Architecture: The History of the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library

Library Entrance & Circulation Desk

Library Entrance, 1966

Art & Architecture Building, Yale University (New Haven, CT): interior, Arts Library, main desk (1960s)

For the first few years, the library services desk (circulation desk) was situated at the end of the reading tables along the courtyard edge of the library, to the right of the original entrance. Salvaged ornamental gates, designed by Louis Sullivan for the Chicago Stock Exchange, can also be seen adorning the entrance in early photos. These gates were moved to the third floor of the building to provide decoration for the School of Architecture offices.

At some time in the later 1960s, the services desk moved across the aisle and rotated so that it faced the entrance. Also at this time, the desk became  L-shaped due to an extension, perhaps a "reference desk," which faced out into the reading room. As we can see in later photographs, the desk remained in this spot until 2006 when the library closed for renovation.

Arts Library entrance (early 2000s), photo by Chris Zollo. 

Rudolph Reading Room (2006), photo by Chris Zollo. 

Since reopening in 2008, the entrance and service desk have been located off the main lobby of the Loria Center in the building's new addition, once again to the right of the entrance. This new configuration separates regular activities at the desk from the quiet study areas of the library. It also reveals a new perspective on the Arts Library. Now, standing at the desk, one can look across the Great Hall (a former courtyard) to view the reading tables and stacks which previously could only be seen up close.

View of the Great Hall and circulation desk, 2008 (Gwathmey Siegel & Associates)

Circulation desk with entrance, 2023

Circulation Desk, current location (since 2008)