Snell Library

Snell Library is the central academic library of Northeastern University, located on its main campus in Boston, Massachusetts. Opened in 1990, it serves as a primary hub for research, study, and collaboration for the university community. The library is named in honor of George Snell, a former chairman of the Northeastern University Board of Trustees. It houses extensive collections, specialized research centers, and a wide array of technological resources supporting the university's academic mission.

History

The need for a new central library became pressing in the latter half of the 20th century as Northeastern University expanded its academic programs and student population. Prior to its construction, library services were dispersed across several smaller facilities. The library was dedicated in June 1990, consolidating collections and establishing a modern research infrastructure. A significant expansion occurred with the opening of the Library Research Annex in 2016, which provided high-density storage for lesser-used materials. Throughout its history, the library has continuously adapted to support the university's evolution into a major global research institution, notably aligning with the Northeastern University College of Computer and Information Science and other growing disciplines.

Architecture and facilities

The building's design is a prominent example of late-20th-century architecture on the Northeastern University campus. Its exterior features a distinctive granite facade and a multi-story glass atrium that floods the interior with natural light. Key facilities within include the Digital Scholarship Commons, which provides tools for data visualization and digital projects, and the University Archives and Special Collections, housing rare materials related to Boston history and social justice movements. The interior is organized across multiple floors containing quiet study areas, group collaboration rooms, a media lounge, and the Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning Through Research.

Collections and resources

The library's holdings encompass over one million physical volumes and provide access to a vast array of digital resources. Its distinctive collections focus on areas such as African American literature, Boston history, and the History of the labor movement. The University Archives preserve the institutional history of Northeastern University, including records from its founding association with the YMCA. The library provides comprehensive access to major academic databases, electronic journals, and streaming media services. Specialized resources support the research of the School of Law and the D'Amore-McKim School of Business.

Services and programs

A core service is research support provided by subject liaison librarians affiliated with academic departments like the College of Engineering and the College of Science. The library hosts workshops on topics ranging from citation management software to primary source literacy. It manages the university's institutional repository, which showcases scholarly output from Northeastern University faculty and students. Public programs often feature authors and scholars, and the library actively supports the annual Boston Book Festival. Services for users with disabilities and interlibrary loan through the Boston Library Consortium are also integral offerings.

Technology and innovation

The library is a campus leader in integrating technology, featuring advanced computing labs, 3D printers, and equipment for digital media production. It pioneered the use of the Summon discovery service to provide a unified search across its catalog and electronic holdings. The Digital Repository Service manages and preserves the university's digital research assets. The library's makerspace, the Maker Hub, supports hands-on learning with technologies like Arduino and virtual reality. These initiatives align with the university's focus on experiential learning and interdisciplinary research.

Governance and administration

The library operates under the purview of the Office of the Provost of Northeastern University. Its strategic direction is set by the Dean of Libraries, a position held by Dan Cohen, formerly of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media. Advisory committees, including faculty representatives from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, provide guidance on collections and services. The library's operations are supported by the broader infrastructure of Northeastern University, including its Information Technology Services division. It also collaborates closely with other campus units like the Office of Global Services to support the university's international network.