Bay Path University’s Hatch Library Gets Major Renovation

Though “libraries are still the central repositories of knowledge on college campuses,” according to Michael J. Moran, Director of Library & Information Services, learning spaces in universities are being re-envisioned to accommodate how students are learning today, putting greater emphasis on collaborative learning, technology centers, research support and other academic services. This is very apparent at Hatch Library. The century-old library recently underwent a half million dollar renovation, with the objective of encouraging collaboration, creating adaptable spaces and study rooms where students can work alone or together, and providing easy access to digital technology and resources. The year-long project was completed in August of 2016.

Moran and his staff are thrilled with the result: “Our primary goal was to update the main floor of the library and make it more user-friendly, as well as to address a growing need for group spaces. The initial design came from library staff, reflecting the needs of students who use the library. They wanted a more comfortable layout, with contemporary, ergonomically-designed furnishings, and more energy-efficient and focused lighting.”

It was a huge undertaking. In preparation for the renovation, over 25,000 volumes of books were moved in the summer of 2015 to a local off-site storage. Books are now easily retrieved by students at any campus location within 24 hours. This freed up considerable space in the library to create dedicated study areas equipped with new technology, and provided additional areas for delivering tutoring and academic workshops, all of which will improve access to academic support services.

To create a vibrant new learning commons in the library, attractive contemporary furnishings were purchased for academic seating and desk arrangements. Nancy O’Brien, of BMS Architects, and Denny Robinson, of DR Consultants, who jointly designed Bay Path’s Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center, located in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, recommended the furnishings. Final choices were made by students, however, who were able to try out various models prior to their purchase. Two egg-shaped seats are probably the biggest hit, and they are so comfortable that students have been known to climb in and fall asleep!

New technology was purchased, including desktop and laptop computers, flat-screen televisions and iPads. Three colorful study rooms – blue, green and orange – equipped with technology – support group-related study, instruction and tutoring activities, and  are available for students and faculty to reserve. Students use the group study rooms to create presentations, access the Internet and work together on class assignments.

“It’s a simple, online process to reserve these spaces,” said Moran, “and we’ve noticed that almost every room is fully scheduled in advance!”

A new central Help Desk combined the existing Circulation, Reference and Reserve lending desks into one integrated resource area. The result is a considerable space savings and improved efficiencies in delivering library support to students.

“We have definitely noticed an increase in patrons at the desk,” said Moran. “It’s been busier than ever! In the past, students came to the library because they had to, but now they come to the library because they want to – it’s become a destination!”

The Hatch Library renovation was part of a multiyear initiative, the “Learners and Leaders Project,” which has had a transformative impact on teaching and learning at Bay Path. Supported by a five-year, $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III-Strengthening Institutions Program, the initiative is focused on course redesign of the general education core curriculum, infusion of active learning strategies and technology, and created new learning spaces conducive to collaborative learning. The project, in its final year, is already having impressive results in improving student engagement and academic performance.

Also, generous grants from the George I. Alden Trust and an anonymous donor, enabled Bay Path to purchase the new technology, equipment and furnishings, transforming and updating the library, a cultural and academic hub on campus. 

The Hatch Library renovation has been wildly applauded by all constituents, with students lauding the new space as an exciting and inviting environment in which to learn, study and grow, and, in some cases, sleep – if they are fortunate enough to grab one of the “egg” chairs!”

Moran sums it up, saying, “We want to make it as easy as possible for our students to achieve academic success, and now they have a beautiful space in which to do it.”