Forum Will Outline Ideas for a New Neilson

A reimagined Neilson Library will be a building designed to open up views of Smith’s pastoral landscape.

A renovated library complex will preserve the “cherished resources” of Alumnae Gym and the historic core of the current library building, while also creating new work spaces designed for 21^st century research and learning.

These are some of the key takeaways from a recent “playback” session on the Program Phase of the library project. Led by Provost Katherine Rowe, chair of the Library Program Committee, the April 4 session summarized the committee’s work to identify and prioritize elements of a new Neilson.

The reimagining of Neilson—led by the design team of Maya Lin and Shepley Bulfinch—will be Smith’s largest capital project in a decade and the first renovation of the library since 1982. Groundbreaking on a renovated library building is expected in 2017.

With the programming phase of the project now completed, members of the design team will host a forum for the campus community from noon to 1 p.m., Monday, April 18, to hold a conversation on designing a reimagined Neilson. The forum will take place in Room 205 of the Campus Center.

Other highlights of the playback session included:

• A renovated library solves a “spatial problem” that now constrains the campus, and answers a demand for quality working, research and gathering spaces.
• A reimagined Neilson will feature an increase in reserve-able/sharable space and a decrease in spaces “owned” by individuals or departments.
• Library users want “inclusive, accessible and beautiful spaces” that use sustainable materials and natural light, and offer a connection to the landscape.
• A redesigned library will provide new collaborative spaces, including a digital hub and an academic commons.
• A renovated library will accommodate expected growth of both print and digital resources in the collection.
• Key elements of the Neilson redesign remain open for exploration during the design process.