Scheduled to open March 29, the newly renovated Neilson Library stands as a beacon of hope and excitement among the Smith College student body and the Northampton community.
Since the spring of 2016, The Library Design Committee has worked tirelessly alongside the Maya Lin Studio and Shepley Bulfinch to imagine and construct a space that “set(s) a course for exploring new ways of teaching, learning and researching,” according to the Smith College Libraries’ website.
Smith College Libraries has long cultivated and maintained prominent special collections that protect historic materials ensuring their availability for future generations of Smith students. The renovations to the Neilson Library are promised to showcase these amazing resources in ways that are tailored to the users’ experience.
Alongside this promise, the Library boasts many sustainable features that align with Smith College’s plan for achieving carbon neutrality. Some of these features include using flooring, ceiling tiles, doors and windows that are free from “Red List” chemicals, those of which are toxic to humans and the environment.
By opening Neilson’s doors, Library staff hope to provide a common space for students to work and study together, even though the opening on March 29 will not extend to the full scope of the amenities it has to offer.
Library staff member Jessica Blasko told The Sophian that come March 29, students will be able to “find study spaces, use printers/copiers/scanners, check out library items, and return library items.” Students will also be able to browse the Library’s extensive book and journal collections; however “research appointments, peer research consultations, special collections research services, and more” will continue to be fully remote. Blakso also added that “the Libraries staff is excited for when students will be able to enjoy all the spaces and technology the building will ultimately offer.”
New COVID health guidelines introduced in the past year have meant great change to the accessibility to Neilson Library. Staff from ITS, Facilities, Libraries, and others have worked hard to prioritize the safety of all when updating the services and spaces offered at the Library.
According to Blasko these changes include, “offering building access only to students, faculty, and staff in the campus COVID screening program, limiting building occupancy, ensuring mask wearing and social distancing, installing plexiglass partitions, spacing out furniture, and more.”
The Library hopes to gradually open more Neilson spaces in the 2021-2022 school year, under the guidance of Smith College’s Culture of Care operating mode and state safety guidelines.
(Photo credit: Nic Lehoux)
