The R.P. Bell Library will soon be undergoing its first renovation in over 50 years. As we prepare to modernize and enhance our facilities, librarians are undertaking a comprehensive collections assessment. This project involves the strategic deselection of materials to ensure our collections remain relevant, accessible, and supportive of Mount Allison's academic mission. Our goal is to create a dynamic, user-friendly space that better serves our community's research and learning needs.
Explore this page to learn more about our approach and the positive impact these changes will bring to our library.
Please note, these concept designs 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.
| Spring 2017 | Initial consultant presentation |
| October 2017 |
Structural investigation of existing building |
| February 2018 | Library Revitalization Vision Committee struck; Creation of Terms of Reference for Vision Steering Committee |
| March 2018 | Town Hall Information Sessions |
| March-April 2018 | Initial Questionnaire circulated (644 responses received) |
| April 2018 | Early Student Focus Groups conducted |
| September 2018 | Additional Focus Group sessions; Library Staff, Faculty, University Staff, Students |
| October 2018 | World Cafe Workshop sessions |
| Winter 2018 | MTA Library Report produced |
| January 2019 | Vision Statement prepared and issued |
| February 2019 | Workshops with stakeholders to begin functional programming stages |
| February 2020 | President's Advisory Committee on the Library Renovation struck |
| March-April 2022 |
Library Renovation Project Survey conducted (318 responses received) |
| March-April 2023 | Library Renovation Project Survey conducted (175 responses received) |
| Spring 2023 | Functional Programming planning phase completed |
| May 2024 | Collections assessment begins |
| Fall/Winter 2026 | Collections assessment ends |
| Spring/Summer 2027 | Relocation of Library Services to Interim Library |
| Fall 2027 | Interim Library opens |
| Spring/Summer 2030 | Library Services returns to renovated space (R.P. Bell Centre for Innovation and Learning) |
For the most up-to-date information on the Library renovation project, visit R.P. Bell Library: Centre for Innovation and Learning
If you have questions about this project or any other aspect of the library renovation, please contact Dean of Libraries & Archives, Rachel Rubin rrubin@mta.ca.