hi! So on my tour we learned that the Neilson library will be under construction for the next three years. I have a couple questions about the project that I hope can be answered! 1) how disruptive will construction be for the campus? will the construction mostly be from within the building or will there be a large external construction scene for most of the project? smith is such a peaceful and small place which is why i ask :). 2) will any of the rooms of the library be preserved?
Hi! Yes, Neilson Library is undergoing a huge renovation project, and the construction will be going ahead for the next few years. Construction started during the summer, and is well under way (even though I won’t be a student when it is finished, I’m very excited about the new library!). The plan is to keep the old, main section of the library (with the pillars) and add on two new wings - the design looks really cool, and they have a whole website for it! I’ve put the link in here. There are a few phases of the project I think, so what type of construction will depend on how far they are! Right now, they’re taking down the old parts of the building and removing the inside of the main section.
I was initially worried about the construction noise - I have a lot of classes around Neilson - but it really hasn’t been that bad. They are working with the academic calendar, so most of the noisy work is done when students aren’t around. Because Neilson is one of the largest buildings on campus and has a lot of study space, multiple offices on campus are working with students to make sure there is still enough space for everyone. They have an app called SmithScape, to help you find a group-study room/silent study space/computer lab etc. on campus! They also release surveys frequently to make sure students can give feedback and ask for more resources as and when.
~ Helena ‘18