About the Honnold/Mudd Octagon Image

Why is the image octagon shaped?

The octagon is used as an architectural motif thoughout the Honnold/Mudd Library:

Mazes and Labyrinths

People have constructed mazes or labyrinths throughout history. The most famous maze was the maze of the Minotaur, a beast that was half bull, half man. Ariadne gave Theseus a ball of thread that he could unwind to leave a trail as he searched the maze for the monster. After Theseus slew the Minotaur he was able to follow the thread back out of the maze. (For sites with more information about mazes and labyrinths see the bottom of this page.)

Why use a maze for Honnold/Mudd?

Consider the research process. The researcher begins with questions, and an idea of a path that should lead to the answers. From a starting point the researcher will follow the path which seems most direct. Many paths will prove to be interesting detours, rather than leading directly to the goal. When this happens the researcher must backtrack and try a different direction.

The maze is a metaphor for the research process. The staff of the Libraries of The Claremont Colleges have constructed many threads to lead researchers to their goals more quickly. Within the Libraries' web site there are databases organized by subject, research guides that provide information and links to research sources in many different subjects, and contact information for the subject specialist librarians who can help you find your way through the maze of informationa available. We hope that, when you feel lost, you will come to any of the Libraries' Services Desks for guidance.

For more information on Mazes:

Rukeyser, Muriel. Mazes. Photography by Milton Charles, New York, Simon and Schuster [1970]. HON PZ 8.3 R88 M3

Matthews, William Henry. Mazes and labyrinths; their history and development. New York, Dover Publications [1970] SPR SB 475 M3 1970.

You can search Britannica Online for a history of mazes and labyrinths or for tips on maze navigation.

THINK LABYRINTH! (http://www.astrolog.org/labyrnth.htm) includes a Java applet that allows you to create Mazes, and solve them from a 3D first person view.

The AMAZING HEDGE PUZZLE featuring The Jubilee Maze and Museum of Mazes (http://www.btinternet.com/~mazes/index.htm)

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Last updated: 01/21/1999