Special Collections in Performing Arts

Using the Lowens Room

The Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Room for Special Collections is open to University of Maryland students, faculty, and staff; faculty, students, and staff from other colleges and universities; local, national, and international scholars; and members of the general public. This room is a service site for both Special Collections in Performing Arts (SCPA) and some collections of the International Piano Archives at Maryland (IPAM).

Circulation

Aside from a small collection of books and some score collections, materials accessed in the Lowens Room do not circulate.

Food and Drink

Absolutely no food or liquid is permitted within the Lowens Room due to the special collection materials stored in the room. Furthermore, no food or drink is permitted within the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library.

Handling

Due to the fragile nature of many of the items in special collections, patrons may only use pencils and may be asked to wear cotton gloves in certain situations (for example, when using photographs).

Identification

Patrons do not have to present photographic identification to enter the Lowens Room unless they are using materials from the locked stacks.

Lockers

Patrons must place all backpacks, briefcases, coats, umbrellas, purses, computer carrying cases, and all other materials not needed for their research in a locker before using materials in the Lowens Room. They must also sign in on a log sheet the first time they enter the Lowens Room each day.

Photocopies

The Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library Room does contain two photocopy machines, but not all special collections materials accessed in the Lowens Room may be copied by patrons; they should check with the staff member on duty at the Lowens Room during business hours to determine if they are able to prepare duplicates. Please see our Duplication of Materials policy for further information.

Retrieval

SCPA staff will retrieve all items from archival collections for patrons, with the exception of resources housed in the open stacks of the Lowens Room and IPAM. All other stack spaces are closed to the public.

To use IPAM collections, please contact them directly at their website.