The William L. Matheson Reading Room contains current periodicals, including journals, magazines and newspapers. Journals and magazines are shelved in alphabetical order by title, starting to the right of the service desk and continuing clockwise around the room. Newspapers are shelved alphabetically in the newspaper room, located to the left as you exit the bridge from Woodruff Library.

In most cases, the library keeps approximately the most recent year’s worth of journal or magazine issues in the reading room. Older issues may be bound and shelved by call number in the stacks, replaced by microfilm, or kept in the storage library. Newspapers are usually kept for approximately 3 months, until replaced by microfilm. There are exceptions, so always check EUCLID to locate the periodical you need.

Location and Hours

The reading room is located on the third floor of the Candler Library building. It is accessible via the Candler main entrance or via the bridge that connects to level 3 of the main Woodruff Library building. The Candler entrance is closed evenings and weekends.

When classes are in session, the reading room is generally open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The reading room service desk is staffed from 1-5 p.m. seven days a week by reference staff and student assistants. These hours are reduced during the summer and academic break periods. Check Woodruff Library’s web page for current reading room hours or service desk hours.

Facilities

The reading room features large tables and soft couches for a comfortable and quiet study space. Ethernet access is available for Emory students, staff and faculty via cable ports in the desk lamps or wireless throughout the room. Photocopiers are located at either end of the room and restrooms are located next to the newspaper room.

There are four InfoCommons computers and a network printer available for Emory users. Visitor computers and library catalog workstations are available in the main Woodruff building.