Opened in 1990, the Jake L. and Nancy Hamon Arts Library houses and provides collection and services related to the visual and performing arts, journalism, and advertising. These areas support and inspire research and performance in SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts degree programs. The library has a comprehensive collection in Spanish art and extensive holdings in symphonic scores and classical music research. In addition to its circulating collection on the library’s four floors, Hamon also houses Special Collections in the Bywaters Special Collections and the G. William Jones Film and Video Collection. During fall and spring semesters, the Mildred J. Hawn Gallery offers exhibitions in the arts and related programing.
Collaborative study space is available on the first floor and bookable study rooms. The second and third floors are designated quite space. Scanning and printing is available on the first floor Commons area. Additional scanning is on the third floor.
General Collections
Hamon Arts Library’s collections number over 240,000 items relating to the visual and performing arts. In addition, the library has over 300 subscriptions to arts periodicals and provides access to many online resources specific to the arts.
Media Collections
Media collections cover a variety of arts subjects including film, art, music, dance, and communication arts. Documentaries cover a wide range of disciplines. Formats are CDs, DVDs, LPs, videocassette tapes, and laser discs. Streaming media is available through . Researchers may check out materials from the main desk on the first floor. Playback equipment includes Blu-ray players, VCRs, multi-region players, and turntables, including an MP3 converter.
SMU Concert and Recital Recordings
The Hamon Arts Library holds the SMU Division of Music Concert and Recital Recordings Archives.