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Show Page two Hodson July 19, 1962 (4) Tha Middle Eastern stacks should ba surrounded or flanked by a series of offices for a limited number of faculty and a specially spacious room for tha Director of tha Middle East Center, and another equally spacious conference room for study group seminars, staff deliberations and othar functions relating to Middle Eastern activities* Also a number of study alcoves or carrels should be provided for special researchers In this field, either faculty or advanced graduate scholars* It would be batter to plan these on the Princeton model with sliding doors and locks for complete seculsion and protection* (5) In addition to tha stacks, a large room with a vary special outfit such as cupboards with glass shutters under lock and key, a >~-v fira-proof safe, show cases, and othar installations that can ba d^B^ ^ crlbed at a later stage for manuscripts, papyri and archival material, incunabula, and tha rare books of tha East* This is going to ba one of the highlights of the University* Our Arabic papyri ara probably mora ^ monumental than any in tha country and ought to become in due course a ~ collection of international stature* Tha value of a priceless collection is always enhanced by tha manner in which it Is being kept and displayed* I propose that no embellishment should be spared in tha preparation of that unusually important room« It will bring us mora publicity than anything else I know in tha library* Tha papyri ara now In the so-called old Spanish room In tha Museum of Fine Arts* But their final destination is the Library whenever the Library is in a position to receive them* Tha Arabic microfilms Including tha Sinai set already acquired may also be placed in that room* The microfilm cases Include reels of about 200 codices and 1500 archival scrolls, now in the Treasure Room ef the old Library* Trusting that the above random notes answer your purpose and meet with your pleasure, please feel free to draw my attention to any specific item for further elaboration in future* With my highest regards and best wishes0 Cordially yours Aziz S„ Atiya Director ASA flu cc: Ralph Thomson |