The newly renovated RPBCIL 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
Mount Allison unveiled its plans for the concept design of the R.P. Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning to the University community in January 2024, marking the first renovation to the building in over 60 years. Library construction is scheduled to begin Summer 2027.
Questions? Email libraryinnovation@mta.ca.
Library concept renderings
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.
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.
Sustainable design
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.
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
- Matthew Maston, Interim Vice-President, International and Student Affairs
- Courtney Pringle-Carver, Vice-President, University Advancement
- Chris Milner, Acting Vice President, Finance and Administration
- Dr. Richard Isnor, 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
Interim Library
Students, faculty, and staff will have access to the full range of library services at the Interim Library. The facility’s main entrance will face Lansdowne Street and the building will be fully accessible and include gender-inclusive and barrier-free washrooms.
The facility will house the library’s main print collections in addition to a variety of study spaces for students, including group and individual study, collaborative study, and quiet study. The Writing Centre will be located in the Interim Library and a fully operational café will also operate out of the space. Of course, librarians and library staff will also be available to support the needs of students and faculty throughout the renovation process.
Requestable non-browsing collections such as bound periodicals will move to permanent shelving in Convocation Hall and the Archives and Special Collections will remain available by appointment. Items that will be housed in Convocation Hall will be transferred to their new location starting Summer 2025.
The Interim Library will ensure that students, faculty, and staff are able to access the Library’s resources, spaces, and expertise throughout the renovation of the R.P. Bell Library.
| Project Timeline Overview | |
|---|---|
| Summer 2024 | Construction projects will begin on campus in preparation for the Interim Library and RPBCIL construction (see below) |
| Spring 2025 | Interim library construction begins |
| Spring/Summer 2027 | Core collections move to Interim Library |
| Fall 2027 | Interim library opens |
| Summer 2027 | R.P. Bell Library construction |
| Summer 2030 | Interim library relocated to R.P. Bell Library |
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada: www.infrastructure.gc.ca
