On Jan. 31, 2024, Mount Allison unveiled its plans for the concept design of the R.P. Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning to the University community, marking the first renovation to the building in over 60 years.
The newly renovated space will serve as a home for teaching, learning, and research services. In addition to library staff, collections, and resources, it will house:
- academic support for students
- teaching and learning support for faculty
- spaces designed to facilitate the variety of ways in which students study and learn
Please note: The concept design photos are renderings of the initial vision and direction of design for the R.P. Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning. The images displayed do not represent the final finishes such as furniture, fixtures, and colours.
The library concept design includes:
- a Universal Design for Learning classroom
- flexible collaboration space to support innovation and entrepreneurship
- a data and digital scholarship lab
- customizable study and gathering spaces
The facility will feature a warm and light-filled ambience with core collections remaining onsite. The newly renovated space will also be fully accessible with upgraded elevators and entrances and all-gender and barrier-free washrooms.
Sustainability
The renovation will follow the Green Globes certification system. Green Globes is a comprehensive, science-based, three-in-one certification system that evaluates the environmental sustainability, health and wellness, and resilience of buildings.
This project will achieve energy and water efficiency, sustainable site development, reduced emissions, and improved indoor environment quality using a variety of design, construction, and operating strategies.
Indigenous Consultation
Indigenous faculty, students, and Elders will be consulted throughout the design phase of the project. Additionally, Mount Allison is in the process of identifying an Indigenous design firm to consult on the renovation; further details will be provided as they become available.
Interim Library
An Interim Library will be constructed on campus to ensure that students and faculty have access to the full suite of library services while the R.P. Bell facility is under renovation. The facility’s long-term purpose will be as a multipurpose athletics complex, and more details will be made available as details are finalized.
Library Collections
During the renovation of the R.P. Bell Library, the main browsing collection and some special collections will be moved to the Interim Library. Requestable collections for research and teaching will be relocated to a permanent on-campus shelving facility in the lower level of Convocation Hall. Archives will continue to operate as they currently do on an appointment system.
| Project Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Summer 2024 | Interim library construction begins |
| Spring 2026 | Core collections moves to interim library |
| Fall 2026 | Interim library opens |
| Summer 2026-Spring 2029 | R.P. Bell Library & Breezeway construction |
| Summer 2029 | Interim library relocated to R.P. Bell Library |
Project Funding
The total project spend is currently estimated at $85 million. The projected amount includes:
- R.P. Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning revitalization and full renovation
- Enclosing the breezeway that connects the R.P. Bell Library and Crabtree buildings
- Renovations to house a portion of collections in the basement of Convocation Hall
- Construction of the Interim Library
- Other costs (moving expenses and storage of collections)
Mount Allison received a transformative $36 million from Infrastructure Canada and the Government of New Brunswick. The Remainder of the project is being funded through a combination of philanthropic support and internal resources.
Steering Committee
- Anne Comfort, Vice-President, International and Student Affairs
- Courtney Pringle-Carver, Vice-President, University Advancement
- Robert Inglis, Vice President, Finance and Administration
- Vicki St. Pierre, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research
- Kris Kierstead, Director of Facilities Management
- Dwayne Acton, Manager of Projects, Facilities Management
- Jason MacDonald, Special Projects Coordinator, Libraries & Archives
- Rachel Rubin, Dean of Libraries & Archives, Acting Dean of Arts
- Marcie Meekins, Director of Development, University Advancement
- Alexandra Montana, Communications Officer, University Advancement
Questions? Email libraryinnovation@mta.ca.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. www.infrastructure.gc.ca
