Keuhne Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy Library - University of Texas

When we arrived, I noticed how small it was. I guess my expectations of a University library exceeded the size it actually was. It was cold and sterile, not welcoming at all. Based on my research online, I knew that it was an individual library rather than merely an extension of a larger library. The librarian behind the circulation desk was “busy” on the computer and when I approached her she immediately asked if I needed a bathroom – I guess she doesn’t get many families passing through. When I explained why I was there, she explained briefly that the library only contains books on physics, mathematics, and astronomy. I tried asking her a few other questions, but it was evident she had no interest in talking with me. I did ask her if she would mind if I took some pictures in which she happily replied that she didn’t have any problem with that. She seemed relieved to watch me walk away from the circulation desk. The first thing I noticed that there were individual pictures of planets taped to the top of the shelves that looked like they had been there since the 70s. My husband, being a physics teacher at the secondary level, swarmed to the bookshelves scouring through as many physics books as he could get his hands on. He pointed out that there was a section specifically for physics textbooks. Although the library was small, it was two stories. The first story was devoted to journals and the second floor housed the books. Most libraries have atlases sitting out somewhere, I’ve noticed. This library was no exception, although the atlases were made up of star charts rather than maps. There didn’t appear to be anything new in terms of technology. There were about 9 computers, a scanning station, and two copy machines. Only two people occupied the library while we were there. For the last 10 minutes, we were upstairs with a big book looking at the different galaxies and planets. The kids got a real kick out of that. I do wish that we had gone to a bigger library on campus, but I was really trying to appease my husband by taking him to the designated physics library!