Library: Difference between revisions

'''The Library''' is the name given to a structure present on the installations of the [[Halo Array]].<ref name="h1lib">'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Library]]''</ref><ref name="quarantine">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref> The Libraries are vast archive complexes, housing the collated genetic information of numerous [[sentience|sentient]] species indexed by the [[Lifeworker]]s during the [[Conservation Measure]], an effort to re-seed life in [[Milky Way|the galaxy]] following the activation of the Halo Array. The structure also houses the [[Activation Index]], the object used to activate the Halo ring and simultaneously initiate the repopulation process of the species archived in the Library.<ref name="library">'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''' - ''[[Library (feature)|Library]]'', ''"Activation Index"''</ref>

The Activation Index is suspended in the center of a multi-tiered hall known as the [[Index chamber]], located at the heart of the Library. In accordance with proper Flood containment procedures, the [[Reclaimer]] tasked with activating the Installation must first deactivate an energy field surrounding the Index by accessing a large [[elevator]] on the Library's uppermost floor. The elevator then descends from the highest level of the Library to the Index's position, allowing the Reclaimer to retrieve it from its container. Also according to procedure, the Reclaimer's passage through the Library is assisted by the Installation's [[monitor]], whose duties also include opening the facility's various security [[door]]s.<ref name="h1lib"/>

Access to the Library itself usually occurs via each installation's internal [[teleportation grid]].<ref name="h1lib">'''Halo: Combat Evolved''' campaign level ''[[The Library]]''</ref> On [[Installation 05]], [[2401 Penitent Tangent]] was unable to assist the individuals wishing to retrieve the Index in this manner. As a result a longer, less direct route had to be taken. An [[anti-gravity gondola]] spanned a large chasm separating the installation's [[quarantine zone]] from the Library.<ref name="quarantine"/> The quarantine zone was encircled by the [[Sentinel Wall]], a massive barrier which was protected by a [[containment shield]] and filled with numerous [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s and [[Enforcer]]s.<ref name="icon">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon]]''</ref> On both Installation 04 and Installation 05, the Flood was still able to breach such defenses and infest the Library.  

Based on [[Cortana]]'s simulated retelling of the history of the Forerunners, Libraries may exist on other Forerunner worlds as well.<ref group="note">According to Frank O'Connor, the visuals in ''Origins'' may not be entirely accurate or factual, as they are pieced together from Cortana's incomplete store of information. Thus it is uncertain whether the structure depicted shares its function with the Library, or if the appearance of the Library is merely used to portray another type of structure.</ref> According to Cortana's visualization, structures closely resembling Libraries on other worlds are surrounded by massive walls, and surrounding the building inside the walls are several [[Unidentified Forerunner dreadnought class|Forerunner dreadnoughts]], ready for launch.<ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Origins''</ref>